I propose to take Questions Nos. 1011 to 1013, inclusive, together.
The response to Domestic, Sexual Violence and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-agency issue. Policy is coordinated by the Department of Justice and Equality (DJE). Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV. DCYA is providing Tusla with €25.3m this year for some 60 organisations that deliver DSGBV services for individuals and families. DSGBV has been identified by Tusla as a high priority service during the current period of emergency public health measures.
Tusla has advised that a number of service providers have access to additional emergency accommodation spaces on an ‘as needed’ basis. As of May 2020, an additional 45 units of accommodation have been sourced through the work of DSGBV service providers, Tusla, and local authorities in coordination with local partners.
In Cavan and Monaghan, access to safe local accommodation spaces can be arranged as and when such a need arises. Women with high safety needs may also be referred to access safe emergency accommodation in refuges in Navan, Dundalk and Drogheda, or in refuges elsewhere throughout the country. A full list of local services is available on the Tusla website here: www.tusla.ie/services/domestic-sexual-gender-based-violence/local-services-for-woment/.
Tusla continues to engage with service providers on a regular basis, including service providers in Cavan and Monaghan, and is supporting them throughout the current period as a key service for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence.