Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is a very positive statement on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Zappone, with regard to her direction to Tusla and what she sees as the priority. I agree with the Minister about the need to provide support to people who have been abused and encouraging them to come forward and to ensure the mechanisms are there to provide support for victims in rural areas as well as urban areas. There are myriad challenges facing rural people, particularly in respect of transportation, rural isolation and not having the necessary support to come forward and seek help. The service Rape Crisis Midwest is proposing in terms of an outreach facility in Kilrush is critical. Will the Minister of State, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, reiterate to the Minister the importance of providing this facility and this service and that she should direct Tusla's that these would be included as part of its business plan and negotiations for its service level agreements with the Rape Crisis Midwest? This should be stipulated and the funds should be made available to provide for it.

I thank the Minister of State for taking the time to respond to what has become a vocal campaign for the service in County Clare. It is important we acknowledge the people who are doing great work, particularly the counsellors, and the victims who have come forward. We should also acknowledge the very important work Clare FM has done in highlighting this.