merrion street

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald TD, has welcomed the establishment by the HSE of a Freephone Helpdesk for those who may require support or counselling, in response to reported concerns regarding the welfare and protection of children who attended a boarding school in Carraig na bhFearr, Cork, run by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.

The HSE Helpdesk Freephone number is

and is open from 6.00pm to 10.00pm today (31st August) and from 10.00am to 10.00pm daily.

The HSE is working in collaboration with a number of agencies to ensure that people who make contact with the Helpdesk have access to a service appropriate to their needs.

Minister Fitzgerald has also welcomed the setting-up, at the request of Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, of a separate helpline to provide counselling and support to survivors. The helpline will be run by the ‘Towards Healing’ counselling and support service.

The helpline number is

and will operate 11am - 1am from Friday 2nd September to Thursday 8th September.

Minister Fitzgerald has encouraged survivors of past abuse at Carraig na bhFearr to contact either of the helplines.

The HSE and Gardai are continuing with their enquires on this matter. Any person with information or a concern regarding this matter should make contact with the HSE North Lee Social Work Department or An Garda Siochana.