Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing difficulties with the allocation of funding to a now completed domestic refuge (details supplied) in County Kildare; the number of women and children who are being turned away; if he can work to seek a final resolution to the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53034/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In 2010 the National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence was published. It aims to provide a framework for sustainable intervention to prevent and effectively respond to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and is lead by Cosc which is the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence.

The HSE subsequently published its own Policy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence. The principal actions are in line with the National Strategy. The HSE's policy states that a health-focused analysis of violence is crucial, not only because the consequences of such violence require a significant amount of healthcare system resources, but most importantly because the health care system is often the first route through which victims seek to access supports.

Services to victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence – including 20 crisis refuges, 27 domestic violence support services and 16 rape crisis centres received €19.182 Million in 2011.

In relation to the specific issue raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Health the reason podiatry services were withdrawn in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will reinstate same [53068/12]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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While there is no statutory obligation on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to provide podiatry services to medical card patients, local arrangements are made to provide such services to patients with greatest needs. The HSE has been asked to examine the specific query raised by the Deputy and to reply to her as soon as possible.