Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising that matter. It is opportune that she has done so, because on Monday morning, I met with the chair and chief executive of Cuan. There was an event in the Department in respect of a launch by Cuan and I had an opportunity to meet with the chair and chief executive in advance. They informed me of issues in respect of the funding of Cuan itself and other issues in the sector too. Obviously, Cuan has been extremely well funded since it was set up by my predecessor last year. A lot of funding has gone into it. I obviously want to prioritise the continuance of the protection of women from domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, and I recognise that to do that these services and agencies in the community have to be funded. I will seek to continue to engage with Cuan in respect of this issue. I am not fully aware if funds have not been released by Cuan. If it has the funds, I have no doubt it will release them. I will, obviously, engage with Cuan in respect of this matter.

See this speech in context