Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 December 2012
591. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 488 of September 2011, in which he advised that the Health Service Executive was undertaking to investigate potential avenues of funding for the only specialised domestic violence unit in County Kildare (details provided); if he will provide an update on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53901/12]
View answer592. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a residential unit (details supplied) in County Kildare for victims of domestic violence; the funding allocation for the unit for this year; the way he proposes to make use of newly built and vacant residential units at the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53903/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 591 and 592 together.
In 2010 the National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence was published. It aims to provide a framework for sustainable intervention to prevent and effectively respond to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and is lead by Cosc which is the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence. The HSE subsequently published its own Policy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence. The principal actions are in line with the National Strategy. The HSE’s policy states that a health-focused analysis of violence is crucial, not only because the consequences of such violence require a significant amount of healthcare system resources, but most importantly because the health care system is often the first route through which victims seek to access supports.
Nationally the HSE funds 42 frontline domestic violence service providers. 20 of these provide refuge accommodation and this number has risen from 15 since 2000. The services provide a wide range of supports such as crisis refuge, advocacy and counselling and were funded to the amount of €13.465M in 2012. In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
