Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 February 2024
350. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the status of the board of the new Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency; the progress to-date on appointing members to the board; the timeline for when the board will be in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5271/24]
View answerA central element of delivering on the Zero Tolerance goal of the Third National Strategy (TNS) is the establishment of a statutory domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) agency under the aegis of my Department. I established Cuan on 1 January 2024.
Cuan has a specific mandate to drive the implementation of the strategy across Government, bringing the expertise and focus required to tackle this complex social issue.
In line with good governance and practice, the legislation establishing the agency provides for a board which will include a chairperson and six ordinary members with experience variously in DSGBV matters, governance/public management, and other matters relevant to the functions of the Agency.
The Board will be appointed by, and report to me as Minister for Justice, following an appropriate open and competitive process.
I can advise the Deputy that an open competition for Board Members was advertised by State Boards and closed in December 2023 and the assessment process with State Boards is ongoing.
