The recent announcement that Donegal's only child and adolescent counselling service has been forced to close because of a lack of funding has sent shockwaves through many Donegal communities. It is an absolute disgrace. Not only has the counselling service been used, it has grown hugely with more than 15,000 counselling sessions provided in the past six years alone. There are 26 counsellors across seven outreach centres, including in Letterkenny, Dunfanaghy, Stranorlar, Buncrana and Creeslough. The Government cannot say in its budget press releases that mental health is a priority while allowing Tusla and the HSE not only to refuse funding but actively to strip away a vital service providing young people with counselling. Who decided that such an essential service was not worthy of funding? Will the Minister reverse that decision straight away, knowing that the cessation of the service will create a dangerous void in the provision of mental health services for young people in Donegal?

I thank the Deputy for the question. I became aware of the impending challenges in Donegal through the Raphoe diocesan pastoral services and of the impact its closure could have. I understand it is an excellent service. It crosses through mental health, primary care, social inclusion and Tusla. I spoke with the assistant national director for services in regard to this issue this morning. I also spoke with a former Leas-Cheann Comhairle, Pat the Cope Gallagher, who was instrumental in setting up the service many years ago. I am awaiting a briefing from the community healthcare organisation in the area, CHO 1. I will engage with the service to see what we can do. I believe it was to the fore during the Creeslough tragedy when it helped many people with counselling. My understanding is that the service has been in place for more than 30 years. It has grown and now needs a full-time director. The person who was in place is due to retire in March. We will see what we can do to resolve this issue.