Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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622. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the funding allocated to domestic violence emergency refuges accommodation for 2019. [28141/19]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

The allocation of resources to individual services is an operational matter for Tusla. I have asked Tusla to respond to the Deputy directly with the requested figures.

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

- 12 new outreach workers for women and children affected by domestic violence to improve access to support and services.

- 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 Tusla in meeting the needs of individuals who experience domestic violence.