Vital Galway Child and Adolescent Sexual Assault Treatment Service closure

BECAUSE our record on child protection, especially that stretching over decades, is so very poor, it is natural that the issue is a terribly sensitive one. 

It is natural, and entirely appropriate, that those working in what can be a harrowing arena should have the full support of the State.

In recent days a unique service — the Galway Child and Adolescent Sexual Assault Treatment Service — has been forced to withdraw its servces because of issues with the HSE over recognition, funding and the provision of medical indemnity insurance for the service’s staff.

In an deal world the HSE might be able to fund initiative after initative to improve and protect the wellbeing of all citizens but that is not, nor will it ever be, the case. Resources are finite unless we are prepared to pay more in taxes.

Nevertheless, this episode again points to the terribly disproportionate role insurance costs can have in our lives and suggests we might try to find a better, less limiting system. The HSE should be encouraged to review the situation and if it concludes the service is of value try to revive it.