Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2015
273. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide details of funding for a project (details supplied) in County Laois for 2013 and 2014, and the estimate for 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19735/15]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency funds the project referred to by the Deputy in Co. Laois. The service in question received €73,164 in 2013, €67,400 in 2014 and has been allocated €67,000 this year.
The service involves the provision of domestic violence supports, including information, advocacy and counselling services to women experiencing or who have experienced domestic violence. The work of this project and other community-based Domestic Violence services is recognised and valued.
Tusla has recently completed an initial review of domestic violence and sexual violence services in order to identify strategic priorities and set out a roadmap for sexual violence and domestic violence services. There is for the first time a consolidated national budget for these services and an opportunity for more co-ordinated and equitable provision of sexual and domestic violence services across the country.
Future planning for Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence services will seek to address gaps, avoid duplication and support effective delivery of frontline services nationally.
Services responding to Domestic, Sexual and Gender based Violence are being given high priority by Government, and Tusla will work closely with service providers giving particular priority to supporting front line services.
