Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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493. To ask the Minister for Health if there is funding available to assist a domestic violence response unit (details supplied) to ensure it remains operational in the immediate future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44172/13]

Brian Walsh (Galway West, Independent)
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555. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding engagement between the Health Service Executive and a charitable organisation (details supplied) in County Galway with a view to identifying a resolution in respect of the organisation's shortfall this year. [44568/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 493 and 555 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.

In relation to the specific service issues raised by the Deputy, the questions asked have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.