Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020
612. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the additional ring-fenced funding to be provided by his Department to domestic violence services in budget 2021 in order that services can respond adequately to the shadow pandemic of domestic violence through Covid-19 and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36337/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-agency issue. Policy is coordinated by the Department of Justice and Equality (DJE). Under the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV.
The Programme for Government sets out a number of commitments regarding DSGBV, including an audit on segmentation of DSGBV responsibilities across government departments and agencies, which will inform future investments in this area.
In 2020 my Department provided €25.3m to Tusla for DSGBV services. Additional funds of some €2m are being allocated during 2020 to address challenges arising from the COVID-19 public health emergency.
I am pleased to have secured significant additional funding for Tusla in Budget 2021 which, I believe, will help the Agency more fully achieve its vision. Specific allocation of Tusla's funding in 2021, including in respect of domestic violence services, will be finalised in Tusla’s Business Plan for 2021 which is currently in development.
