Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 October 2023
290. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the funding allocation that will be made available to facilitate the operation of the proposed statutory agency with a dedicated focus on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence; the number of staff she anticipates the agency will employ; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43316/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Government has agreed to establish a dedicated statutory agency that will be charged with co-ordinating the Government’s response to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV).
The agency will have a range of responsibilities including the funding and commissioning of DSGBV services, supporting the delivery of refuges and co-ordinating the implementation of the Third National Strategy on DSGBV.
This new agency will be tasked with ensuring the delivery of excellent services to victims of DSGBV, and with driving and coordinating the implementation of the Strategy across Government.
It will bring the dedicated and expert focus that is needed to tackle the serious and complex societal problem of DSGBV. Its main functions as set out in the Bill to establish the agency include:
• planning, commissioning and funding DSGBV services;
• overseeing and supporting the provision of refuge accommodation for victims;
• setting standards for services and refuges, and monitoring adherence;
• disseminating information on DSGBV, and leading and supporting awareness-raising campaigns;
• conducting, commissioning and supporting research;
• supporting, co-ordinating and reporting on the implementation of the Strategy; and
• assisting the Minister in developing future DSGBV strategies.
The Bill to establish this agency is a top Government priority in the autumn legislative programme.
Tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in all its forms and providing fully for the needs of victims is undoubtedly a big task and one that requires substantial, dedicated and permanent resourcing. That is a key reason for setting up this agency and it will be given the resources it needs to fulfil its mandate.
The proposed allocation for 2024 will be a matter for the estimates process. As the Deputy is aware, the results of this process will be announced following Budget day.
It is envisaged that the new Agency, headed by a CEO, will have over 30 staff. The Deputy may wish to note that the open competition for the post of CEO of the Agency has been advertised by the Public Appointments Service and further information is available on www.publicjobs.ie
