Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Tusla has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. This year my Department is providing €25.3 million to Tusla in core funding for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services. I am also providing an additional resource of €2 million to deal with specific once-off Covid issues.

Tusla is aware that there were and continue to be issues for those experiencing domestic violence arising from the Covid-19 situation. There may be particular concerns for victims around the Christmas period. This is why since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, Tusla has prioritised domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services while actively engaging with all services to support a continuity of service, as well as to provide contingencies around service provision.

Tusla has advised that there are currently 143 accommodation units available. Of these, 103 are within the normal framework of refuge provision. Due to the requirements for social distancing, there was a reduction in 36 of the family units within that framework. In response to that need to reduce, however, Tusla has funded 25 additional off-site units and an additional 15 safe homes. The most recent information we have from Tusla is that 106 units are already occupied, meaning there is capacity in the system for anyone in need. Tusla is keeping the situation under review. It has a systematic feedback and communications mechanism in place with the domestic violence service provider organisations regarding issues and difficulties that arise for organisations during this time. Any specific measures implemented for the Christmas period will be based on feedback from services about pressures arising in December.

I have already confirmed that next year Tusla will be allocated additional funding of €4.7 million to support domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services across the country. A total of €30 million will be made available for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services next year. There is an additional €2.7 million in core funding which will bring it to €28 million, as well as €2 million in Covid contingency funding.

See this speech in context