Sir, - Mr Dermot Ahern of the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs has allocated an extra £700,000 in the Budget in support for marriage, child and bereavement counselling as well as family mediation services.
Whilst we in MRCS welcome any increase, we are concerned that such a tiny sum must be spread so thinly among so many organisations providing counselling. At last count, the number of such organisations was 120 but this increases annually.
To fulfil our vision of bringing non-denominational relationship counselling services to all, regardless of ability to pay and geographical location, we need secure and increased funding.
Current government thinking does not take account of the increase in marriage and relationship breakdown and the adverse effects - both immediate and long-term - on families and, more especially, on children.
Contrast the allocation of £700,000 towards these essential services with Government concessions to the racing fraternity which will cost £24 million in one year.
What does this say about our national priorities? - Yours, etc., Ruth Barror,
Chief Executive, Marriage and Relationship Counselling Services, Grafton Street,Dublin 2.