John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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917. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason Tusla is planning to decentralise its national remit for domestic sexual and gender-based violence to local structures (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11349/20]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The response to Domestic, Sexual Violence and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-agency issue. Policy is coordinated by the Department of Justice and Equality (DJE). Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV.

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, currently provides support, coordination and funding to some 60 organisations around the country that deliver front line services to victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV). The operations of the Agency and organisational structures designed to ensure effective delivery of services in line with government policy and strategy is a matter for Tusla's management and Board. 

Tusla has advised that where organisational reform is planned, it will be with a view to strengthening governance, allowing for more local influence and leadership of services and enhancing integration for all Tusla and Tusla commissioned services with State services. Any organisational reform would follow a period of engagement, information and consultation, including stakeholders in the DSGBV sector.

Tusla has assured the Department that service provision for victims of DSGBV will not be affected by any organisational reform.