Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 268: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if an increase in funding for the rape crisis centres around the country will be considered; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that since the publishing of the Ferns Report on 25 October 2005, the Rape Crisis Centre has seen a dramatic increase in demand on its services with an average of 50% increase in most centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35552/05]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 more than €12 million is provided annually for the provision of such services. The distribution of this funding is now a matter for the Health Service Executive. The Tánaiste asked the Health Service Executive to carry out an analysis of the current level of service provision in this area and to report back to her. The Tánaiste has recently received this report and it is under review in the Department.