Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Longford Tragic Deaths.
- Counselling and welfare services after Longford deaths 4 speeches
The Minister expressed sympathy and said officials were examining ways to improve counselling and social services for second-level pupils, including access to antenatal information; a statement would follow.
Proinsias De Rossa, Barry Desmond
- Criticism of Minister of State’s remarks 11 speeches
Deputy Wilson condemned the Minister of State’s remarks about the family, school and town as publicity-seeking, while the Taoiseach defended her. The Chair ruled Wilson out of order and ended the exchange.
John P. Wilson, Thomas J. Fitzpatrick, Deputies, Garrett Fitzgerald
asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the death in tragic circumstances of a young girl and her child in County Longford, he will ensure that adequate counselling and welfare services are made available to second level schools to ensure that such events are not repeated.
Comment on this
I would first like to express the deepest sympathy of myself and my colleagues in Government with Ann Lovett's family in regard to this tragic affair.
Officials of my Department and of the Department of Education have already initiated discussions on the extent to which existing counselling and social services for pupils of second-level schools might be improved in order to reduce the risks of this type of tragedy occurring again.
Comment on this
I should like to associate myself with the initial remarks of the Minister. Can he indicate to us if it is intended to make available information on ante-natal services to second level schools and the way he proposes that that be done?
Comment on this
All of these considerations are currently being studied by the Minister for Education and myself and between officials of the Department of Health and of the Department of Education. As soon as possible the Minister for Education and myself will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
Would the Minister take it upon himself to condemn the Minister of State for her insensitive, publicity seeking condemnation——
Comment on this
If, as has been rumoured, it was in order to blind the people to the increase in the unemployed of the State, then it was a double disgrace.