Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2015
559. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he is aware of the concern of the wider community in Tallaght, Dublin 24, in respect of the threatened closure of a service (details supplied); the actions available to him to save this important facility; his views on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20200/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe service referred to by the Deputy provides second stage accommodation for women and children who are experiencing domestic violence and who may have been in emergency accommodation. I understand that the Centre opened in 2012 and is funded by Respond Housing Association.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency allocates available funding for domestic violence to emergency refuge accommodation services and community-based domestic violence supports.
Tusla endorses the use of second stage refuge and supported accommodation to enable people to move on from emergency accommodation. While it does not currently fund such services, Tusla has indicated that it would hope to support such services in the future direction it intends to pursue.
Tusla has met with Respond recently and advised that unfortunately it is not in a position to fund this service in the current year.
Tusla will continue to work closely with service providers to ensure that women and children experiencing domestic abuse receive all necessary support and Tusla have advised me that the position in respect of the service referred to will be kept under review.
