Mattie McGrath
Question:1916. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the total funding allocated by her Department for emergency refuge support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24558/16]
View answerFriday, 16 September 2016
Questions (1916)
Written answers
In 2016, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has allocated funding of €20.6m for a network of some 60 organisations providing services to victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in Ireland. Almost €12.0m is provided for emergency refuge and support services and a further €4.6m is provided for other community based domestic violence support services.
In 2016, an additional €200,000 was allocated to Tusla to support implementation of obligations under the Council of Europe Convention on Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention) which is enabling provision of an additional six family units of emergency accommodation in the greater Dublin area in 2016.
My priority, and that of Tusla, is to ensure that the needs of women and children fleeing domestic violence are being met in the best way possible. Tusla is engaging with service provider organisations and other stakeholders to identify and prioritise future needs, including the provision of additional emergency accommodation spaces.
Domestic violence support services are provided through integrated community based responses, with emergency refuge accommodation as one component of service delivery. Tusla’s primary focus is on achieving the optimum use of emergency shelter accommodation and focusing on prevention and effective community based services to avoid in so far as possible the need for use of refuges by vulnerable women and families.
I recognise that there are challenges to be addressed in ensuring that there is appropriate safe crisis accommodation available to all women and children who require immediate shelter because of violent family relationships. I am committed to continuing support for these vital services.