Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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1217. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the budget for domestic sexual and gender based violence services in 2017 and 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14085/19]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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Under the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the provision of care and protection to victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV). In discharging its statutory responsibility, Tusla supports 59 organisations nationally that deliver a range of services to victims of domestic, sexual and gender based violence.

Since taking up office, in 2016, as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I have prioritised the development of DSGBV services. This has been reflected in the level of additional funding provided to Tusla for these services.

In 2017, Tusla provided €22.1 million in funding to domestic, sexual and gender based violence services, an increase of €1.5 million over 2016 funding. This level of funding was increased by €1.7 million in 2018, bringing the total level of funding for DSGBV services to €23.8 million.

I can further advise that the allocation for DSGBV services in 2019 is €25.3 million, an increase of €1.5 million over 2018.

Tusla will continue to work with service providers throughout the country in the provision of resources to victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, including emergency refuge accommodation, non-refuge accommodation, and community supports for victims.