Domestic Violence

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 September 2022

Wednesday, 21 September 2022

Questions (164)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

164. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to confirm receipt of a submission (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46065/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development (Deputy Joe O'Brien)

I wish to acknowledge receipt of the Safe Ireland pre-Budget 2023 submission. It will be considered in the pre-budget negotiations.

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), referenced in the submission, is our country’s primary social inclusion programme. The programme provides funding to tackle poverty and social exclusion at a local level through local engagement and partnerships between disadvantaged individuals, community organisations and public sector agencies.

Funding is not currently ring-fenced within SICAP to tackle Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, which is an issue not confined to those experiencing disadvantage.

The Department of Justice has responsibility for the Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Strategy and my Department will continue to assist where it can with the important work of this strategy into the future.