Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
1086. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will virtually meet representatives of a service (details supplied) to hear the challenges that it faces in maintaining the vital service at a time of unprecedented demand and the need for adequate State funding to be provided to same. [14891/21]
View answerI understand that the service in question is in receipt of funding from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency for the provision of counselling services to children.
Tusla has responsibility for the care and protection of victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV). Tusla provides funding to some 60 services throughout the State that work with and support survivors of DSGBV.
With regard to domestic violence, core funding is provided to two domestic violence services in the Donegal area, Donegal Women’s Domestic Violence Service (DWDVS) and Donegal Women’s Centre. DWDVS is the primary organisation delivering domestic violence support services across Donegal, including Inishowen.
While I am happy to meet with the organisation referred to by the Deputy, I have no direct role with regard to how Tusla undertakes its day to day operations. In this case I might suggest that the Deputy should in the first instance assist the organisation in seeking a meeting with Tusla representatives.
Tusla has acknowledged that accessibility is an issue for many service users in rural areas, and supports organisations to develop and enhance outreach services in order to improve service access. Significant funding has been provided to services in recent years for this purpose.
I understand Tusla has concerns that a duplication of service provision might lead to a risk of fragmentation of services, particularly where organisations provide similar services in the same geographical area. I have been assured by Tusla that services for children and families in Inishowen that are affected by domestic violence will continue to be provided by other funded service providers in County Donegal.
