Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 596: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the withdrawal of core funding for SAFE Ireland; the reason for the Health Service Executive's refusal to move Safe Ireland and its funding to Cosc; and if he will reverse this decision immediately in view of the serious implications it will have for victims of domestic violence. [9415/11]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 601: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Health Service Executive has made a decision to withdraw the core funding of SAFE Ireland, with the result that all of its staff are to be made redundant at the end of May 2011; if his further attention has been drawn to the vital support, co-ordination and leadership role this national body plays for local front-line services responding to domestic violence; and the steps he will take to restore this funding directly or arrange for the release of its funding to COSC. [9455/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 596 and 601 together.

The HSE, as per its statutory responsibility, is the relevant funding body for health services, and is committed to funding organisations that provide Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence services. Based on the level of resources available, and taking into account significant progress in the area of inter-agency coordination and partnership, the HSE is looking at ways to meet the needs of victims of domestic and sexual abuse as effectively as possible, and to ensure that value for money and accountability are paramount, and that any duplication is avoided.

My officials, in conjunction with the HSE, are examining this review process and will revert back to me with more detailed information in a matter of weeks so that I can satisfy myself as to the nature of these arrangements. In the meantime, SAFE Ireland's funding in its current form is secure until the end of June 2011.