I propose to take Questions Nos. 515 and 516 together.
Responsibility for the funding of the Rape Crisis Centres and Refuges previously funded by the HSE became the responsibility of the new Child and Family Agency upon its establishment on 1st January, 2014. The funding allocation by the HSE towards domestic violence, refuge and support services in County Louth, in the period 2009-2013, and by the new Child and Family Agency in 2014, is set out as follows:
Year
|
2009
|
2010
|
2011
|
2012
|
2013
|
2014
|
Total
|
€1,032,837
|
€1,006,053
|
€950,450
|
€902,927
|
€880,355
|
€857,781
|
The Child and Family Agency is actively engaged with the County Louth based women's refuge centre regarding the provision of services to children and families affected by family violence. Child and Family Agency staff from Dublin North East have been in discussions regarding a business plan for the centre. Funding for refuges is commonly provided through a combination of funds from the Agency and the local authorities. The Agency is committed to working with Louth County Council, local services and the centre in question to ensure the delivery of services in response to identified need.