Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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50. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to explain the reason that a centre (details supplied) in County Offaly has sustained 34% cuts to funding from the Health Service Executive-Túsla, Child and Family Agency, which is above cuts to similar providers; the reason for the delay in reimbursing a shortfall of €4,047 due to an error when transferring their funds in 2014, despite the fact that the funding level was confirmed to the centre in writing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35819/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has taken on statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of domestic, sexual or gender based violence whether in the context of the family or otherwise.

Funding of approximately €17.0 m transferred to Tusla from the HSE on 1 January 2014 in respect of these services. Additional funding of €2.541 m subsequently transferred to Tusla from the Department of Environment and Local Government, in respect of domestic violence refuges and services. Tusla funds 60 specialist domestic violence and sexual violence services mainly through service arrangements with non-governmental organisations. This year from the available resources it will support:

- 44 Domestic Violence services

- 16 Sexual Violence/Rape Crisis services

Sexual violence services are being developed by Tusla, as a national specialist service, so as to enable better outcomes for both children and adults who are survivors of sexual violence.

Tusla has undertaken a comprehensive review of sexual violence and domestic violence services. The purpose was to identify strategic priorities and set out a roadmap for the delivery of these services. The ultimate goal is to enable better outcomes for those who have experienced sexual violence. The important role of Rape Crisis/Sexual Violence services is recognised.

In my discussions with Tusla earlier this year, I requested that particular priority be given to protecting frontline services. In that context, funding for the 16 Rape Crisis Centres nationwide, which provide services directly to rape survivors, has been protected in 2015. Almost €4.0 m in funding is dedicated to Rape Crisis Centres in 2015, with funding maintained at 2014 levels.

The Regional Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre, Tullamore has been allocated funding of €81,300 in 2015.

Some anomalies emerged in the transfer of funding from HSE to Tusla due to the complexity of previous funding structures and arrangements. Tusla is seeking to address this issue in the context of the Regional Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre, Tullamore. Tusla will continue to engage with the Regional Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre, Tullamore and I have asked Tusla to report to me on this matter.

Tusla has established a structure for the national oversight of domestic violence and sexual violence services with a consolidated national budget and a single line of accountability for these services. This will provide greater clarity and support for service provider organisations. A dedicated team to support the delivery of these services is being put in place. 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.

At all times the Agency’s key priority will be to ensure that the needs of victims of sexual violence and domestic violence are being met in the best way possible.