John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 183: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to grant funding to an organisation (details supplied) in County Sligo; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that it is unable to advertise its services or have an out-of-hours service and has no refuge house when violent incidents occur at the weekends and at night; if she will sanction additional funding immediately for this sector; if the Finance Bill 2005 will contain a provision for the establishment of distinct budget lines in each Department with responsibility for violence against women; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3422/05]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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The national steering committee on violence against women was established following the 1997 report of the task force on violence against women. Its purpose is to provide a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency and cohesive response to the problem of violence against women and it is chaired by the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

My Department does not directly fund or co-ordinate health and personal social services to victims of abuse. Moneys are made available each year, formerly through the health boards, and now through the Health Service Executive, for the provision of services to women victims of violence. In recent years there has been a substantial increase in funding so that now over €12 million is provided annually for the provision of such services. It is now a matter for the Health Service Executive to resource the provision of these services.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 184: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the application by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare for a hearing aid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3424/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for audiology services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.