Madeleine Taylor-Quinn
Question:67 Mrs. Taylor-Quinn asked the Minister for Health whether arrangements have been reached to provide a proper long term funding basis for Dublin's Rape Crisis Centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Dublin Rape Crisis Centre Funding.
Donal Carey
Question:79 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Health if she will outline the plans she has to ensure that the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre can continue to provide a service to the public and remain on a firm financial footing; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Proinsias De Rossa
Question:103 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Health if she will agree to put the funding of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and other rape crisis centres on a fixed annual basis in view of the difficulties that they face in regard to budgeting, especially in the light of the valuable work that the centres undertake in regard to victims of rape and sexual abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 67, 79 and 103 together. I met the chairperson and director of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre on 20 November 1991 regarding the operation of this centre.
I recognise the valuable contribution made by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and other rape crisis centres around the country in the counselling of victims or rape and sexual abuse. Discussions have been taking place between representatives of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and officials of the Department and the Eastern Health Board to agree a secure basis for the funding of the centre's activities.
It has been agreed that funding of £100,000 will be presented to the centre in 1992 through the Eastern Health Board to ensure that the centre will continue to provide its present level of service.
I am aware that the centre have identified further needs which they wish to meet but which they are not in a position to finance from fund raising and the grant referred to above. Discussions are continuing with representatives of the centre, the Eastern Health Board and my Department about how these needs can be met.
I am satisfied that the funding of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is now on a firm basis and that agreement will be reached on the remaining issues in the near future. I will be keeping in touch with the centre on this matter.
With regard to rape crisis centres located outside of Dublin financial aid in support of the centres' activities is made on an annual basis by the appropriate health boards following consultation with the centres. I understand that these arrangements will continue in future years.