Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2016
398. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 130 of 1 October 2015, to provide an update on her plans for a second sexual abuse and violence in Ireland study; the co-ordination she has undertaken between the relevant Departments on this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6242/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraA second Sexual Assault and Violence in Ireland study (SAVI 2) would show the prevalence of and attitudes to sexual violence and elucidate how the experience has changed since SAVI 1. The overall cost of a report is likely to be in the order of €1 million over three years. The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre proposal recognised that, given the significant budget, funding would be divided between four Departments, the Department of Justice and Equality, Children and Youth Affairs, Education and Skills, and Health. I wrote to the relevant Ministers on this matter and expressed my support for the project. The responses received make the viability of funding the project, as proposed, unlikely.
A balance must be struck between the funding of front-line services and funding research. However, my Department continues to investigate the financial feasibility, resource implications and approaches to identifying a ring-fenced funding stream for undertaking this body of work at this time and to explore obligations with regard to requisite public procurement arrangements.
