Frances Fitzgerald
Question:112 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health if his Department will accept the lead role in the proposed interdepartmental group on domestic violence. [5068/96]
Written Answers. - Interdepartmental Group on Domestic Violence.
Limerick East): I presume the Deputy is referring to the recommendations contained in the study commissioned by Women's Aid on domestic violence entitled Making the Links: Towards an integrated strategy for the elimination of violence against women in intimate relationships with men.
I welcome the publication of the report on the findings of the study. The report seeks to bring to public attention the effects of physical and sexual violence on women and children, and makes important recommendations on how this appalling problem can be tackled.
I am committed to the development of appropriate services within the health area for victims of domestic violence. Indeed, the discussion document "Developing a Policy for Women's Health", identifies services for victims of domestic violence as one of the priorities for the further enhancement of services to protect women's health. This document forms the basis for consultation with all those interested in improving the health and welfare of Irish women, including those involved in the provision of services to victims of domestic violence.
My Department has provided capital funding for a number of women's refuges and revenue funding for counselling and telephone helpline services for victims of domestic violence.
I recognise, however, that the provision of emergency refuge accommodation and other family support services, while necessary, deals only with the symptoms of domestic violence and does not confront the issue of violence itself. This is a much more complex issue and one which no one Government Department or agency can tackle in isolation. The nature of the problem calls for a wide ranging inter-agency and interdisciplinary approach.
I agree, therefore, with the report's recommendations on the need for an interdepartmental policy team to develop an integrated strategy on domestic violence. My Department will participate fully in the deliberations of an interdepartmental working group. However, I am not convinced that the lead role in such an initiative should rest with the Department of Health.
I was interested to learn that in Northern Ireland an interdepartmental group on domestic violence was chaired by the Department of Economic Development. Arising from the recommendations of this interdepartmental group, a new regional forum on domestic violence has now been set up in Northern Ireland and is chaired by an independent chairperson. I feel there would be advantages in giving a central Department responsibility for chairing an interdepartmental group on this issue.