Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 42:

In page 41, subsection (1), line 3, after “services” to insert the following:“or services provided pursuant to section 8(3)(b)”.

Part 8 of the Bill sets out the procedures the agency must use when arranging for services to be provided by a variety of service providers and making grants for this purpose. Section 56(1) enables the agency, within certain parameters, to enter into an arrangement with a person for the provision of child and family services. The amendment inserts the words "or services provided pursuant to section 8(3)(b)". While it is technical, it clarifies that the agency may enter into an arrangement with a service provider for the provision of services related to care and protection for victims of domestic, sexual or gender-based violence, whether it is in the context of a family or involves others. Services provided by HSE child and family services include domestic and sexual violence services. They will be provided by the CFA.

Policy and service delivery responsibility for the sexual assault treatment units located and managed within acute hospitals will remain with the Minister for Health and the HSE, respectively. The amendment clarifies that an arrangement may be entered into by the agency with the service provider for the provision of services related to care and protection for victims of domestic, sexual or gender-based violence, whether it is in the context of a family or involves others.