Minister Ahern announces counselling services for victims of Asian Disaster

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D. announced today that 24 hour counselling services will be made available to Irish people who survived or were bereaved by the earthquake disaster in Southern Asia. 

The Minister said

“This has been an appalling tragedy on an unparalleled scale.  It is to be expected that those who lived through it, or who tragically lost a loved one, will have been deeply affected by their experiences and some of these people may benefit from professional support in coping with these events.

Following consultations with the Department of Health and Children, I am pleased to announce that counselling services will be made available to those who require them from tomorrow by the Health Services Executive.

Anyone who wishes to avail of these services should contact 1850 24 18 50 and they will be referred to the appropriate services in their area.”

ENDS
Press Section
5th January 2004