Gabrielle McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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613. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the long-term future for Westmeath support services against domestic abuse in Mullingar, County Westmeath; the future for its manager (details supplied); if funding will continue to be provided for this service into the long-term; the long-term plans to cater for the service-users of the Services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21545/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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For the first time, with the establishment of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, Domestic, Sexual and Gender based Violence service provision is under one body with clear national direction. There is now a single line of accountability and a consolidated national budget which is reserved for allocation to these particular services.

Tusla’s budget for the provision of domestic, sexual and gender based violence services is in excess of €19m in 2015. Tusla has undertaken a comprehensive review of these services over recent months. The purpose was to identify strategic priorities and set out a roadmap for the future delivery of sexual violence and domestic violence services.

Tusla considers, arising from the review, that there is scope for a more co-ordinated and more equitable approach to the provision of these services across the country. As part of this process Tusla has reviewed the configuration of domestic violence services in Co. Westmeath and has identified scope for some degree of re-organisation and reconstitution of services while ensuring continuity for service users. Tusla has assured me that there is no question of services in the county being reduced. Indeed I have emphasised to Tusla the importance of ensuring that front line services are protected.

Westmeath Support Services Against Domestic Abuse was in receipt of €47,146 in funding from Tusla last year. In 2015 funding of €23,572 is being allocated with services in the area to also be re-configured.

Tusla met with representatives from the organisation in question in May and a further meeting is to be held to discuss issues regarding continuity of service. I am assured by Tusla that the change in funding arrangements constitutes a re-allocation rather than a reduction in funding. Furthermore, Tusla has committed to enhancing the availability of services to women and children experiencing domestic violence in the Westmeath area.

Tulsa, in reviewing the make up of current services, is seeking to address any identified gaps in services, to avoid duplication and to support effective delivery of frontline services nationally.