Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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258. To ask the Minister for Health the funding allocated by him to services aimed at tackling domestic violence in County Louth, including women’s refuges; the funding for these services in 2009, 2010, 2011; 2012 and to date in 2013. [35652/13]

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 health care 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 front-line 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 €13.465 Million in 2012.

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.