merrion street

Minister for Health Simon Harris and Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Helen McEntee welcomed confirmation this evening from the HSE that as part of a contingency plan drawn up by the Department of Health, the HSE, Pieta House and David Hall, who has been acting as interim CEO of Console, Pieta House will commence providing the services previously provided by Console with immediate effect.
Minister Harris said; “My priority and that of the Government has always been to ensure that the vitally important services provided by Console are made available to the people who need them and I would like to pay tribute to Pieta House for stepping into the breach. I also want to acknowledge the hard work by several people over the past number of weeks to ensure that a contingency plan was in place in the event of Console ceasing to trade. I want to specifically thank David Hall for the energy and commitment he has brought to resolving this issue and the work he has done with my Department and the HSE. David has done a great service for many vulnerable people for whom these services are extremely important”.
Minister McEntee said; “I would also to thank Pieta House and acknowledge the work of the Department of Health officials, the HSE and David Hall who worked around the clock to ensure that the 24/7 Suicide Helpline, the Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service and the Suicide Bereavement Counselling Service are available to people who are or have been bereaved. I also want to thank the staff of Console who continued to provide their services during what was undoubtedly a very difficult time for them. I know Pieta House personally and professionally and they do great work. Today is also tinged with some sadness. Suicide has touched so many people and families in this country and people put their heart and soul into volunteering and fundraising for Console. We are a very generous people and we must remember at this time that the vast majority of people and charitable organisations do incredibly important work and they need our continued support.”
ENDS