Health Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 December 2012

Tuesday, 11 December 2012

Questions (526)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

526. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the proposals his Department has made with regard to meeting the administrative and operational costs to a facility (details supplied) in County Kildare; if prior to the development of this facility the Health Service Executive had a clear understanding and agreement with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government providing the capital funding; the local authority and or the facility provider in relation to ongoing operational costs; his view on whether the funding on offer is adequate to allow the facility to be open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55603/12]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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 health care system resources, but most importantly because the health care system is often the first route through which victims seek to access supports.

Services to victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence – including 20 crisis refuges, 27 domestic violence support services and 16 rape crisis centres received €19.182 Million in 2011.

In relation to the specific issue raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.