Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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97. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will report on any recent discussions held between his Department and organisations providing accommodation for victims of violence in the home; his views on the current provision of refuge services; the steps he will take to improve the current provision of refuge places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13439/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Responsibility for the funding of Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Services transferred from the HSE to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, upon its establishment on 1 January, 2014.

In 2014, Tusla provided funding in excess of over €17 million to support the provision of these services. This included the funding of some 60 services throughout the country:

- €10m for 20 Crisis Refuges and support services

- Over €4 million for 16 Rape Crisis Centres

- Almost €3.5 million for 24 Domestic Violence Support Services.

In addition, funding of €2.54m for domestic violence refuge services has recently transferred to my Department's Vote from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, and in turn to Tusla. The purpose of this funding transfer is to ensure that the State’s relationship with domestic violence services is managed in a manner which is more coherent and adapted to the needs of service users i.e. victims of domestic violence.

Tusla has concluded a review of Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Services and a consolidated national budget is now in place for these services. A roadmap for the future delivery of services has been approved by the Board of the Agency. There is for the first time a consolidated national budget for sexual violence and domestic violence services and an opportunity for more co-ordinated and equitable provision of domestic and sexual violence services across the country. The Agency will continue to engage with funded organisations and representatives of all those involved in the delivery of services were invited to consultations throughout the review process.

A structure for the national oversight of Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Services is currently being put in place, with dedicated roles to support the delivery of these services. This approach will facilitate the provision of effective, high quality services with more equitable availability of services across different geographical areas and different population groups. Future planning for domestic violence and sexual violence services will seek to address gaps, avoid duplication and support effective delivery of frontline services nationally.

I have met recently with representatives of many of the 16 Rape Crisis Centres around the country to discuss issues and developments in that sector. I continue to be updated on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Service matters as they arise and my Department is in close contact with Tusla in relation to this important area.