It is right that we should acknowledge the fine work of non-governmental agencies such as the rape crisis centres and the women's refuges. Such organisations have given hope to those who have suffered from domestic violence. Their extremely important work is appreciated by those who have availed of it and by successive Governments. As someone who works in the voluntary sector, I can imagine the problems that are faced by the groups to which I have referred in terms of fundraising. They chase down benefactors and peddle boxes of flags to raise money to provide a service that the Government has not been providing to a sufficient extent. Many other bodies deserve the same credit as the two I mentioned for contributing in a meaningful way. It is good to note that, during its 1997 to 2002 term of office, the Government increased funding for the agencies from €3.8 million to €11.5 million.