Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 488 of September 2011, in which he advised that the Health Service Executive was undertaking to investigate potential avenues of funding for only the specialised domestic violence unit in County Kildare (details provided) if he will provide an update on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53901/12]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding a residential unit (details supplied) in County Kildare for victims of domestic violence; the funding allocation for the unit for this year; the way he proposes to make use of newly built and vacant residential units at the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53903/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to answer Questions Nos. 591 and 592 together.

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.

Nationally the HSE funds 42 frontline domestic violence service providers. 20 of these provide refuge accommodation and this number has risen from 15 since 2000. The services provide a wide range of supports such as crisis refuge, advocacy and counselling and were funded to the amount of €13.465M in 2012. In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will indicate the safe ratio of staff for a domestic violence refuge, including any children that may need care and supervision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53904/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In the context of increased demand for domestic violence services, the HSE is conducting a national and regional review of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services that are funded by the HSE. The aim of this review is to ensure that funding is allocated and informed by need. The four HSE regions have set up governance groups to analyse the information that was gathered in the review and a full report will be prepared of the findings.

The HSE's National Office for Domestic, Sexual and Gender based Violence Services funds 42 frontline domestic violence service providers. 20 of these provide refuge accommodation and this number has risen from 15 since 2000. The services provide a wide range of supports such as crisis refuge, advocacy and counselling and were funded to the amount of €13.465M in 2012. These services are aimed at the prevention of domestic violence and ensuring that all families experiencing or at risk of domestic violence will receive a continuum of supports from health and community service providers, who will understand the issue and who will recognise and respond to the impact this type of violence has on health as per the HSE Policy.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health the number of domestic violence refuges that are in operation here; the catchment areas they serve; the average number of residents in each unit for 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53905/12]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health the cost of running each of the State's domestic violence refuges; the amount budgeted for each domestic violence refuge in 2012; the staffing complement and resident capacity of each domestic violence unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53906/12]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health the number of families who have been refused stay at a domestic violence refuge here in 2012; the number of residents accepted in the same year; if he will break these figures down by each individual refuge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53907/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to answer Questions Nos. 594 to 596, inclusive, together.

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.

Nationally the HSE funds 42 frontline domestic violence service providers. 20 of these provide refuge accommodation and this number has risen from 15 since 2000. The services provide a wide range of supports such as crisis refuge, advocacy and counselling and were funded to the amount of €13.465M in 2012. The detailed information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply this information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.