Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 October 2023
154. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice to outline the process which will be undertaken for appointing the board for Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency; and whether the recruitment, assessment and selection process will be conducted by the Public Appointment Service. [44301/23]
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 national 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 under the autumn legislative programme.
The Board will be appointed by, and report to, the Minister for Justice, following an open and competitive process undertaken by the Public Appointments Service.
The Board will include a chairperson and six ordinary members with experience in DSGBV matters, governance/public management, and other matters relevant to the functions of the agency.
Members will be appointed for a period of either three or four years, after which the Minister may, at his or her discretion, reappoint a member for a further period. That is subject to no Board member serving for more than seven years in total, which is consistent with best practice in corporate governance.
