Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2005
229 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the statement made at the Irish Centre for Human Rights in Galway on 7 March 2005 that the Government is not giving adequate financial support towards rape crisis and domestic violence services, she intends to increase such funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16158/05]
View answerMy Department does not directly fund or co-ordinate health and personal social services to victims of abuse. Moneys are made available each year, formerly through the health boards, and now through the Health Service Executive, for the provision of services to women victims of violence. In recent years there has been a substantial increase in funding so that now over €12 million is provided annually for the provision of such services. The distribution of this funding is now a matter for the Health Service Executive. I have asked the HSE, together with my Department, to carry out an analysis of the current level of service provision in this area and to report back to me as a matter of urgency.
