National Women's Strategy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 April 2015

Thursday, 2 April 2015

Questions (16)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

16. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to resource the full implementation of the national women's strategy. [13286/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

The implementation of the National Women's Strategy 2007 – 2016 relies upon the efforts of a wide range of Government Departments and Agencies. Insofar as the financial resources being provided by my Department to support the implementation of the Strategy are concerned, the following is the position.

The Equality for Women Measure, co-financed by the ESF, has made funding available to foster the engagement and advancement of women in the economy. Over €10 million was allocated for this since 2007 and €11 million will be spent in the programme period 2014 to 2020.

The actions relating to combating violence against women were incorporated into the first National Strategy for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence which expired in December 2014. Under the Strategy, Cosc has run an annual funding programme for awareness raising relating to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Just under €300,000 was provided for this in 2014 and around €280,000 will be provided in 2015. Cosc also funds 13 programmes for perpetrators of domestic violence. In 2014, €484,000 was provided. A further Strategy is expected to be published in May/June.

Measures to address trafficking of women and children are led by the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in the Department, which had a budget in 2014 of approximately €710,000 and is one of the main sources of funding for anti-human trafficking NGOs in Ireland.

In relation to promoting women in decision making, a female Talent Bank for State Boards will be developed during 2015 by my Department and the Public Appointments Service with financial support from the EU PROGRESS Fund. Assistance is also being obtained from this Fund for a cross-departmental mentoring and leadership development programme for female Principal Officers and for other initiatives as well. Total assistance from the Fund will amount to just under €200,000.