Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 401: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to improve emergency accommodation and refuge provision places for women and children escaping domestic violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38357/08]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (an executive office of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform) was established by Government in June 2007, with the key responsibility to ensure the delivery of a well coordinated "whole of Government" response to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. The major priority for Cosc is to produce a National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence which has the support of Government and Non-Governmental Organisations in the sector. This work should inform actions needed to improve service provision, including emergency accommodation and refuge provision places for women and children escaping domestic violence.

Capital funding of up to 100% is available through my Department's Capital Assistance Scheme to approved housing bodies providing accommodation to meet special housing needs, including accommodation for victims of domestic violence. This year the overall allocation under the Capital Assistance Scheme is €130 million.

In accordance with Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988 my Department recoups to local authorities 90% of their current account expenditure on accommodation and related costs arising in respect of homeless persons, which could include persons who become homeless as a result of domestic violence. The remaining 10% is provided from the revenue resources of the local authorities. Decisions on funding for homeless services is a matter in the first instance for local authorities. Current account funding provided by my Department for 2008 for homeless services is €53.2 million. This funding is being increased in 2009 to €56 million. Associated care costs are the responsibility of the Department of Health and Children/Health Service Executive.