Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 November 2014
145. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his Department's future funding plans for the domestic violent service providers and refuge from January 2015; if there are any changes envisaged; ;the level of funding that will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43555/14]
View answer146. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will reverse funding cuts to Safe Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43556/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 146 together.
Responsibility for the funding of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence services previously funded by the HSE became the responsibility of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, upon its establishment on 1st January, 2014.
In 2014, the Agency is providing over €17 million in funding to support the provision of domestic and sexual violence services.
This includes the funding of 60 services throughout the country comprising::
- €10m for 20 Crisis Refuges and support services
- Over €4 million for 16 Rape Crisis Centres
- Almost €3.5 million for 24 Domestic Violence Support Services.
The Agency has undertaken a review of services in this area and has engaged with funded organisations in the course of the review of services. Representatives of all those involved in the delivery of services were invited to consultations during the review process. This review has now concluded and a roadmap for the future of service delivery has been prepared and approved by Agency’s Board. A structure for the national oversight of Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Services is currently being put in place by the Agency.
The Agency will liaise with funded Domestic Violence services regarding services required in 2015. Domestic Violence services are being accorded high priority by the Agency in the context of its budgetary allocation and frontline services will be prioritised.
I understand that Safe Ireland had a two year service level agreement with the HSE which expired on 31st December, 2013, but was extended to 31st December, 2014 to allow for establishment of the new Child and Family Agency, to enable the Agency to undertake both a review of services and to develop appropriate governance and oversight arrangements for these services in this area. The Child Agency is in discussions with Safe Ireland regarding the allocation of funding to relevant organisations in 2015.
