John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 135: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason Government funding for violence against women services has been held at 2003 levels; if the underfunding of these services will be addressed in the context of budget 2005; if funding for a full-time counsellor will be made available as a special measure to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if funding of this project will be examined to determine the amount of further financial assistance that will be granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27226/05]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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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. The distribution of this funding is a matter for the Health Service Executive.

The Tánaiste asked the HSE to carry out an analysis of the current level of service provision in this area and to report back to her. I have been informed by the HSE that the final draft report is complete. The publication of the report into the examination of the service requirements of rape victims is imminent. The Tánaiste awaits this report with interest and will be further informed by its findings.