Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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191. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 609 of 21 May 2019, the reason no specific budget for counselling services is being provided for a refuge (details supplied); the alternative sources of funding she recommends the refuge to apply for in order that it can continue to provide critical and essential services to vulnerable women and children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24695/19]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The refuge referred to by the Deputy which also services a neighbouring county receives funding from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency to provide emergency refuge accommodation, support and outreach services to vulnerable women and children.

The allocation of resources to services is an operational matter for Tusla. In line with its commissioning process, Tusla allocates funding to services based on prioritised needs.  I understand Tusla wrote to the Deputy on the 22 May, 2019, outlining the means by which counselling needs for victims of domestic violence are met.

In 2018, the service received funding of €506,468 from Tusla. Service and funding arrangements for 2019 are currently being completed. Available resources for domestic violence services focus as a priority on dealing with the crisis, safety and support needs of victims.

Since becoming Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I have secured additional resources for domestic sexual and gender based violence services. This year, investment for the further investment and development of these services has increased by €1.5 million. A proportion of this funding will allow:

- 12 new outreach workers for women and children affected by domestic violence to improve access to support and services. An outreach worker will be assigned to one of the areas referred to by the Deputy.

- The roll out of a 12 week healing programme for children who have been impacted by domestic abuse which also helps parents/guardians to understand their child’s experiences and support their recovery.. 

It is important that the needs of victims of domestic violence are met in the best way possible, with due attention to the quality, accessibility, and outcome of services. I am committed to supporting the Agency in meeting the needs of individuals who experience domestic violence. 

Kate O'Connell (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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192. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when a refuge (details supplied) will be fully operational again; the capacity it will have in terms of space and bed numbers for persons who wish to use it; if there is scope for children to accompany and stay with their guardians who may attend same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24696/19]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has advised me that the refuge referred to by the Deputy will be operational as a refuge in Quarter 3, 2019. The refuge was temporarily closed for essential refurbishment works due to concerns about electrical installations at the facility. An upgrade of the building has been completed. 

The newly upgraded facility provides nine family units of accommodation for victims of domestic violence. Each family unit of accommodation can accommodate one adult and up to 3 children.

The opening of the refuge has been delayed as there are important staffing matters to be addressed. Tusla is currently exploring the option of commissioning a specialist domestic violence organisation to manage the facility. It is expected that outreach services will be in place for service users in advance of accommodation services being made available in Quarter 3, this year. 

In the interim, Tusla agreed with the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) to provide short-term accommodation to a cohort of homeless women. Tusla has reported that a number of these women are victims of domestic violence who are receiving support from specialist domestic violence organisations. This arrangement will continue until the service reopens as a domestic violence refuge.

It is important that the needs of victims of domestic violence are met in the best way possible, with due attention to the quality, accessibility, and outcome of services. I am committed to supporting the Agency in meeting the needs of individuals who experience domestic violence.