Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
886. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice for an update on progress towards establishing a statutory DSGBV agency; to confirm if it will commence in 2023; the projected establishment costs; if her Department has funding in place for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37032/23]
View answerTackling Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (DSGBV) is an absolute priority for my Department. This includes focusing on prevention and on providing victim-centred supports and services.
The Third National Strategy to combat DSGBV, which was launched in 2022, set out the framework to achieve zero tolerance in Irish society for any form of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
As I am sure the Deputy is aware, following an independent audit of responsibility for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, it was agreed that responsibility for service provision, as well as for policy, should sit together under the remit of my Department.
Government also agreed to establish a new statutory agency to ensure this priority area continues to receive the expertise and focus needed to drive it forward. The Department of Justice is currently working with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel on the bill to establish the new agency on a statutory basis by January of 2024 .
Budget 2023 saw a €9 million increase in allocations for DSGBV services. Separately, €5.8 million in funding has been allocated to promote and assist the development of specific support services for victims of crime within the criminal justice system, which includes victims of domestic and sexual crime, and in the development of our policy and legislation.
My Department has also allocated a further €5.8 million for providing funding to promote and assist the development of specific support services for victims of crime within the criminal justice system, which of course includes victims of domestic and sexual violence.
As part of the MOU covering the transition of DSGBV Services to the new DSGBV agency, my Department, Tusla and Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth are working with Tusla to maintain the existing service level, to address acute demands and to establish new services.
