Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 February 2022
134. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a breakdown of the specific amount of funding provided to support domestic violence services as part of Budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5416/22]
View answerUnder the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV). Tusla is funded from my Department through Vote 40.
In 2021, Tusla allocated €28m in core funding for DSGBV services plus €2m in contingency funding to address challenges arising from Covid-19.
For 2022, I expect Tusla to increase its funding to support DSGBV services and to address the recommendations arising from Tusla’s Accommodation Review. I cannot yet provide the Deputy with a breakdown of the specific amount of funding provided to support domestic violence services for 2022. I issued my Performance Statement to Tusla outlining the overall parameters of Tusla's financial resources, and signalled my priorities for the coming year. Tusla is finalising for publication its annual Business Plan for 2022 in accordance with section 46 of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013. The Business Plan will outline the proposed activities for the year and provide details of the proposed allocation of its financial resources.
I strongly support the work of Tusla and its funded service providers. I am committed to supporting Tusla in meeting the needs of individuals who experience domestic violence.
