Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

I am taking this matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy James Reilly. I thank Deputy Mattie McGrath for raising it as it provides an opportunity to clarify any confusion and address any concerns on this issue.

Domestic, sexual and gender-based violence are a serious health and human rights issue. The Government's commitment to tackling this problem is clearly demonstrated by its continued support of Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence. It was established in 2007 under the aegis of the Department of Justice and Equality. Cosc's key task is to ensure the delivery of a well co-ordinated whole-of-government response to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence against women, men and older people in the community.

In March 2010 Cosc launched a four-year strategy to provide a framework for sustainable intervention to prevent and effectively respond to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. The Health Service Executive published its policy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence which dovetails into Cosc's national strategy. The HSE's policy states a health-focused analysis of violence is crucial, not only because the consequences of such violence require a significant amount of health care system resources, but most important because the health care system is often the first route through which victims seek to access supports.

The HSE, as per its statutory responsibility, is committed to funding organisations that provide domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services. Based on the level of resources available, the HSE is examining how to meet the needs of victims of domestic and sexual abuse and to ensure that value for money and accountability are paramount with the avoidance of duplication.

As part of this process, changes to funding arrangements have been proposed by the HSE. The Minister for Health and Children has instructed the HSE to extend the current funding to the Rape Crisis Network and SAFE Ireland until 1 August. This will allow him and his officials time to continue their review of these proposals and to satisfy themselves as to their nature.

These two network organisations, the Rape Crisis Network and SAFE Ireland, do not provide any direct services to victims of abuse. These are provided by 62 other organisations funded by the HSE, including 20 crisis refuges, 27 domestic violence support services and 16 rape crisis centres. Total expenditure in this area in 2009 came to over €19 million.

HSE officials in the directorate of families and children social services have assured the Minister that if the changes to the funding arrangements are put in place, all current funding will be staying in this sector of service provision, aimed at supporting victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. However, it is planned that some of the funding will be redirected towards activities identified by the national strategy. I will relay Deputy Mattie McGrath's points about data collection to the Minister.

This initiative is not a cost-containment project but rather seeks to ensure value for money, to reduce duplication and promote a greater focus on victims. There is no plan to decrease the financial allocation to support domestic and sexual violence services in excess of any agreement between the HSE and Government allocation. The terms of reference for the selection of providers for future projects were agreed between the HSE and Cosc and include, among other factors, the capacity and relevant experience of the organisations applying.

The Minister is committed to ensuring all efforts are made to make adequate provision for the victims of violence.

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