A MEETING has been scheduled by the HSE with the relevant authorities in relation to the counselling services at the Raphoe Diocesan Pastoral Services.
This comes after it was revealed that counselling services coordinated by the Pastoral Centre throughout Donegal might soon cease to exist due to insufficient funding.
With these vital services being used by many, including those affected by the Creeslough tragedy, Pearse Doherty TD highlighted the issue at a sitting of the Dáil last week.
Addressing the Dáil, Deputy Doherty said he spoke with a mother who lost her daughter in the Creeslough tragedy who is currently availing of the services.
“The fact that that service is in a wind down mode because they have been refused core funding is devastating to anybody who is availing of counselling services,” he said.
In response, Minister of State, Mary Butler TD told Deputy Doherty that she understands how important the service is.
“I have spoken to those using this service and those who were involved in setting it up. A meeting has been scheduled by the HSE to review the request received from the Raphoe Diocesan Pastoral Services and consideration will be given to all the issues arising,” she said.
Deputy Butler continued by saying it is a “hugely important” service and that she was “struck” when someone bereaved by the Creeslough tragedy reached out personally to her office.
However, due to on-going industrial action within the HSE, there has been no further update on when the meeting is due to take place.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Deputy Doherty said unfortunately there has been very little communication with members of the Oireachtas.
“But, we do understand that the meeting is to take place to review the funding application they have.
“The service is very eager that happens without delay,” he said.
Providing support to thousands of clients in the county, the service offers the only provision for child and adolescent counselling in Donegal, as well as providing counselling to adults.
With the service in Donegal being a unique model in Ireland, Director of Counselling, Liam Cannon, said without it, there aren’t any other services available to children and young people in the county.
“Where will all these young people go if the health services don’t have support for them? This county has something that no other county actually has to this level.
“Why would we not support it and keep it. If we don’t, then they have no resources themselves to take up the need that is there,” he said.
Despite the situation being a waiting game at the minute, Deputy Doherty hopes the HSE will recognise that the service needs to be kept going for the people of Donegal.
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