Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, United Left) | Oireachtas source

This question was asked as a Topical Issue recently and I read the Minister's reply. I wish to challenge some of the points made in the reply. I am not saying that funding for Rape Crisis Network Ireland should be reinstated but rather that we must remember the role of Rape Crisis Network Ireland, which has been crucial in collating data which has driven policy over the last 40 years. As the Minister has said, it is evidence-based. This is top-of-the-range information, as is recognised internationally. For that information not to be put to further use is very serious. I do not think Tusla can play that role.

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