Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

The report is, indeed, shocking. The incidence of domestic violence is a disturbing feature of our society. The 38% increase since 2009 in the number of incidents of women seeking refuge from domestic violence is disturbing. The HSE funds 20 domestic violence centres, with a budget of €10.5 million. The Government is committed to implementing the national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence for the five year period from 2010 to 2014. One of the main aims of that strategy is to respond to the needs of victims of domestic violence. The HSE is currently undertaking a national and regional review of domestic violence service provision. The aim of this review is to ensure that funding is allocated according to need and that the areas of high demand are appropriately resourced. This issue is very much under active consideration by the Government.

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