Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 955: To ask the Minister for Health if he will ensure that funding to be provided in County Kerry for victims of sexual abuse and attacks will not be transferred from Kerry General Hospital to Cork University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1305/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The sexual assault treatment unit (SATU) for the Cork & Kerry region is located in the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital Cork. The provision of the service at a regional level was based on the sustainability of the service provision and ensuring that the skills, experience and training required by the clinical staff should be at a level which would be appropriate from a legal perspective when and if such cases come before the courts. A national review of the Sexual Assault Treatment Services undertaken in 2006 (O'Shea Report) indicated that the unit available for the Cork/Kerry area was seen as sufficient to meet the needs of the region.

I have been advised by the HSE South that a revenue provision of €100K funding for sexual assault treatment services in Kerry was provided and they have confirmed that this funding is incorporated into the Emergency Department's budget at Kerry General Hospital where victims of such violence will frequently present. The Emergency Department at Kerry General Hospital, provided on a 24/7 basis at the hospital, is often the first point of contact for such victims and where appropriate clinical care can be provided when necessary. Management of Kerry General Hospital have had a number of engagements with the Kerry Rape Crisis Centre with regards to the services and this communication will continue to ensure best practice is followed within the available resources. In the context of the current financial climate, the HSE is focussed on maintaining the current level and responsiveness of these critical services.