Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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11. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to combat sexual violence; if she has been in contact with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs regarding the withdrawal of funding to the Rape Crisis Network Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27048/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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A second national strategy to address domestic and sexual violence is currently being prepared by my Department. The strategy will contain an action plan towards ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention), elements of the implementation of the transposition of the EU Victims Directive into Irish law and practice, which relate to domestic and sexual violence and worthwhile actions from the first national strategy which are of an ongoing nature. Following completion of consultation with relevant stakeholders I will seek Government approval for the publication of the strategy which I expect to obtain in the near future.

Included as part of the strategy will be the enactment of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill. I envisage the Bill will be published this Dáil session. The Bill will provide for new offences of purchasing, in the context of prostitution, sexual services. It also includes wide ranging provisions to enhance the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation. When enacted, the Bill will facilitate full compliance with the criminal law provisions of a number of EU, UN and Council of Europe legal instruments as well as implementing the recommendations of a number of Oireachtas Committees.

I am aware of the decision by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to cease funding the Rape Crisis Network Ireland, which took effect from the end of March this year. My officials have had contact with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs on this issue and I have met with the Rape Crisis Network Ireland. I am familiar with the issues involved, which are primarily a matter for Tusla and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

In 2014, my Department provided funding of just over €300,000 to organisations working to combat sexual violence towards awareness-raising activities, court accompaniment and legal advisory services. However, Tusla - the Child and Family Agency - is the main public sector funder of the sector.