I am aware that this matter is one of importance to the Deputy and to other Members of the House who have also raised questions about refuge provision in counties Cavan and Monaghan with me and my predecessors. I know there is strong interest locally. I have recently received correspondence from Cavan County Council in this regard. The response to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, DSGBV, is a cross-departmental and multi-agency issue. It is co-ordinated by the Department of Justice. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, provides supports for victims of domestic violence, primarily funded through NGO service providers. In 2021, Tusla allocated €28 million in core funding for DSGBV, plus €2 million in contingency funding to address Covid challenges. In 2022, the allocation will be €31 million, amounting to a €3 million increase in core funding. Funding in 2022 will support services to address cost pressures and maintain continued services, including core sustainability costs and the ongoing supportive initiatives commenced in 2021. The additional allocation will also fund the beginning of the implementation of the accommodation review.
I am informed by Tusla that support for victims of DSGBV in counties Cavan and Monaghan is available through the services of Tearmann, which is based in County Monaghan and funded by the Tusla. Tearmann also provides outreach services in both counties. Tusla funded Tearmann in 2021 to the value of €214,000.
The Tusla review of the provision of accommodation for victims of domestic violence has assessed the current and requisite distribution of safe emergency accommodation. It has examined the current level of refuge provision, evidence of demand for service, unmet need and the analysis of proximity to refuges by local communities. The review has been completed and publication is expected in the next two weeks. The Government will be guided by the recommendations of the review. I expect the implementation process for the review will identify priority areas where there is the greatest need for providing safe accommodation for victims of DSGBV. I am very keen to see the gap in geographic coverage in counties Cavan and Monaghan being addressed. I hope to see the accommodation review used as the vehicle to make progress and address that gap.