Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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639. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his plans to enhance and improve supports for Rape Crisis Network Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28295/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Responsibility for the funding of the Rape Crisis Centres and Refuges previously funded by the HSE became the responsibility of the new Child and Family Agency upon its establishment on 1 January, 2014. In 2013 the HSE spent over €17 million on the provision of domestic and sexual violence services.

This included the funding of 60 services throughout the country comprising:-

- €10m for 20 Crisis Refuges

- Over €4 million for 16 Rape Crisis Centres

- Almost €3.5 million for 24 Support Services.

Funding in 2014 for Domestic, Sexual and Gender based Violence Services has been retained at 2013 levels.

Rape Crisis Network Ireland had a two year service level agreement with the HSE which expired on 31st December, 2013, but was extended to 31st March, 2014 to allow for establishment of the Child and Family Agency, the appointment of a Programme Manager for Domestic, Sexual and Gender based Violence Services and to enable the Agency to tender for future support services to support frontline agencies. The Agency has advised that this contract has now been extended, with revised conditions to the end of 2014.

In addition to the network support that Rape Crisis Network Ireland provides to sexual violence support services, the Child and Family Agency is working with the Network on a work programme that will support developments across the sexual violence services sector.

The Child and Family Agency is currently undertaking a review of Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence service provision and will be developing a strategic plan later in 2014, to support the delivery of effective and accessible services over the coming years. In line with Government policy, the focus in identifying strategic priorities for Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Services is on achieving demonstrable value for money and ensuring that funding for frontline services is maximised to meet the needs of the adults, children and families who use these services.

Requirements for provision of longer-term support for frontline services are being considered as part of the review. The National Programme Manager for Domestic, Sexual and Gender based Violence Services in the Agency will work with the Agency Head of Procurement to establish a tender process, due to begin in September, for longer-term provision of support to front-line agencies from 2015. All qualified providers, including the Rape Crisis Network Ireland, may tender for this new contract.