James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure Deputy Troy I have no problem with my hearing. There is no need to shout.

The needs of those suffering domestic violence in this country are well known and I certainly would want to see the services that support them supported. I welcome the opportunity to clarify the Government's approach to the funding of domestic violence services in County Westmeath and around the country.

For the first time, with the establishment of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, domestic, sexual and gender-based violence service provision is under one body with clear national direction. We now have a single line of accountability and a consolidated national budget which is reserved for allocation to these particular services. The establishment of Tusla has presented an opportunity to develop new approaches in terms of how best to meet the needs of Ireland's children and families.

Domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services can now be delivered within a broad child and family support framework and this represents a significant change to the previous service delivery model. Tusla is in receipt of Exchequer funding of €643 million in 2015, including over €12 million in capital funding. This represents an increase of over €34 million or 5.6% on 2014. Tusla's budget for the provision of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services will be in excess of €19 million in 2015 as opposed to €17 million.

Tusla has undertaken a comprehensive review of these services over recent months. The purpose was to identify strategic priorities and set out a roadmap for the future delivery of sexual violence and domestic violence services. The review has demonstrated to Tusla that the organisations that provide these services to those who experience domestic violence have operated in difficult environments. They have made huge efforts to maintain services in the face of funding and other challenges. However, Tusla considers, arising from the review, that there is scope for a more co-ordinated and more equitable approach to the provision of these services across the country.

As part of this process, Tusla has reviewed the configuration of domestic violence services in County Westmeath and has identified scope for some degree of re-organisation and reconstitution of services while ensuring continuity for service users. Tusla has assured me that there is no question of services in the county being reduced.

Westmeath Support Services Against Domestic Abuse was in receipt of €47,146 in funding from Tusla last year. In 2015, funding of €23,572 is being allocated with services in the area to be re-configured. Tusla met the organisation on Friday last, 15 May, and has agreed to a further meeting with the organisation to discuss issues regarding continuity of service.

The funding to Westmeath support services is one component of a reconfiguration of domestic violence service provision in County Westmeath. The change in funding arrangements constitutes a re-allocation rather than a reduction in funding and Tusla has committed to enhancing the availability of services to women and children experiencing domestic violence in the Westmeath area. Tusla will continue to engage with stakeholders in County Westmeath around how best to provide domestic violence support services as part of an integrated community-based service and to ensure that responsive services are in place.

At all times, Tusla's key priority is to ensure that the needs of victims of sexual violence are being met in the best way possible. For this reason, the 2015 budget is being directed towards front-line services and ensuring no potential service is disadvantaged because of geography. Tulsa, in reviewing the make up of current services, is seeking to address any identified gaps in services, to avoid duplication of services and to support effective delivery of front-line services nationally.

I want to assure the Deputies that the Government will continue to give a high priority to the provision and development of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services and that Tusla will work closely with service providers in this regard while giving particular priority to supporting front-line services.

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