Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty has said the HSE is reviewing its decision to refuse funding for vital counselling services for Donegal.
The Raphoe Diocesan Pastoral Services (RDPS) announced on Tuesday the complete cessation of its counselling services across Donegal due to lack of public funding for a full-time director of counselling.
The service offers the only provision for child and adolescent counselling in the county, as well as providing counselling services to adults.
“On Tuesday, Deputy MacLochlainn and I wrote to the Minister for Health asking that the HSE and Tusla engage directly with the service provider,” Deputy Doherty said.
“Today, Minister Butler confirmed to me that a meeting has been scheduled by the HSE to review the request made by Raphoe Diocesan Service.
“Myself and Deputy Mac Lochlainn will continue to engage with the government to ensure that these vital services continue to be provided in the county.”
He added the services provided by the Diocesan Centre are a vital service right across the county, not just in Letterkenny.
“There are 120 clients availing of these counselling services at any one time, with hundreds on waiting lists,” he said.
“It has been delivering services across the county since 2010. It is where many families of the Creeslough tragedy turned to, including victims and their families.”
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