Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 May 2014
139. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the actions that will be taken by his Department in conjunction with an organisation in serious financial difficulties (details supplied) to stop the temporary closure of the local centres of the organisation providing vital counselling and support services to victims of rape and sexual abuse. [23527/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the funding of the Rape Crisis Centres and Refuges previously funded by the HSE became the responsibility of the new Child and Family Agency upon its establishment on 1st January, 2014. In 2013 the HSE spent over €17 million on the provision of domestic and sexual violence services. This included the funding of 60 services throughout the country comprising:
- €10m for 20 Crisis Refuges
- Over €4 million for 16 Rape Crisis Centres
- Almost €3.5 million for 24 Support Services.
Funding in 2014 for Domestic, Sexual and Gender based Violence Services has been retained at 2013 levels and is managed within the office of the Chief Executive of the Child and Family Agency.
In line with Government policy, all service level agreements and contracts with the voluntary and community sector, including those providing services in response to domestic, sexual and gender based violence are required to protect frontline services, improve productivity and keep overhead costs to a minimum. In the context of the ongoing budgetary constraints that affect all publicly funded organisations, it is for each funded organisation to decide on how best to manage budgets in order to operate within available resources. In cases where reductions in levels of service are implemented by funded organisations, the Child and Family Agency expects that service users are provided with information about other available supports, including alternative sexual violence support services in the region and the 24 hour helpline provided by Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. Where specific financial difficulties arise for individual services, the Child and Family Agency will engage at local level to address emerging issues.
A review is being undertaken of national provision of sexual violence and domestic violence support services with a view to establishing a more consistent approach to the delivery of these services nationally and enhancing the availability of high quality, effective services. A strategic plan for these services will be completed in 2014. The Child and Family Agency will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the provision of responsive and integrated sexual violence and domestic violence supports services to adults, children and families.
