Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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353. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs regarding the changes in funding provided by Tusla, Child and Family Agency, to rape crisis centres and the transfer of research responsibilities to gather statistical information to help inform policy, how such information is now being collected in-house by the agency, as opposed to the previous arrangement through the rape crisis centre's network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40641/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The funding previously provided to Rape Crisis Network Ireland by Tusla was to develop and maintain a database of information recorded by workers in Rape Crisis Centres. Tusla had concerns that this database did not capture information from all 16 Rape Crisis Centres as not all centres were affiliated with the Network.

In addition, Tusla did not always have timely access to the data collected, which is essential to support the delivery of high quality services across both the domestic violence and sexual violence services sector.

Consequently, Tusla took the decision to put in place a comprehensive data system that best meets the current and future data needs of a developing service. In order to plan properly for the future, Tusla needs timely access to complete and reliable information.

As part of revised governance arrangements, funded sexual violence services will provide information directly to Tusla, creating, for the first time, a comprehensive dataset on all such services funded by the Agency. This information and evidence is critically important as Tusla continues to reform services to ensure the best possible response is provided to survivors of sexual violence.

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

As the Deputy will be aware, I announced a significant increase in the funding allocation to Tusla for next year. Tusla will have available to it some €676 million in funding, representing an increase of €38 million over 2015.

The precise level of funding to be provided to Rape Crisis Centres for next year will now be considered by Tusla in developing its Business Plan for 2016, which will be sent to me for consideration.

The Government, since its establishment, has attached particular priority to supporting vulnerable children and families and the significant increase in funding being made available to Tusla next year represents further evidence of our delivery on this ambition.

In summary, Tusla is committed to the development of domestic, sexual and gender based violence services in line with its statutory remit to provide such services. The immediate focus is on ensuring that front-line services are protected and this is happening. Beyond that, in planning for the future provision and development of services, Tusla is committed to addressing identified gaps in service provision, eliminating duplication where it exists and ensuring the provision of a more equitable service. The availability of comprehensive national data will support Tusla in this work.