Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Neither the Taoiseach nor anyone else in Government has been pitting one against the other, and the Deputy should not present the matter in those terms because it is simply not true. The Government's commitment in respect of domestic and sexual violence is clear. We have the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, and more than €22 million in funding for the purpose of tackling domestic and sexual violence is now available within Tusla. This is an increase of €1.5 million on last year. There is a commitment on the part of the Government to try to deal with this issue comprehensively. The issue is whether we should now prioritise spend on further research to build on that which is already there but outdated. I will take my advice from the experts in this area through the Department. If trying to find €1 million for this research is the right thing to do, the Government will do it.

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