Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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31. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the new SAVI survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40125/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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My Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding earlier this year with the Central Statistics Office (CSO) in relation to the National Sexual Violence Prevalence Survey. Preparations are now underway for this large scale survey, which will look in detail at the experience of women and men in Ireland of sexual violence and abuse, with repeat large scale surveys every decade. The goal is for an ongoing programme of high quality research in a sensitive and ethical way, to ensure a robust set of data to inform Government policy. 

Funding of €150,000 has been provided for 2019 to allow the CSO to carry out the preliminary technical research.

I am informed that, to date, the preparatory phase has involved a wide consultation process, including an open town hall stakeholder event, the establishment of two expert working groups, and a broad Liaison Group for the project with nominated experts from a range of organisations and agencies. The preparatory phase will include the conducting of a full pilot survey in the field in 2020.

Government has agreed in principle that once detailed budgets can be devised by the CSO, necessary resources will be made available to ensure the survey takes place.