Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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831. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress to date in the establishment of a new service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22676/20]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Tusla 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). This includes Tearmann Domestic Violence Service, located in County Monaghan, which provides a range of community-based services for victims of domestic violence, including emotional and practical support, advocacy, and court accompaniment services. Tearmann also provides an outreach service in Cavan Town.

Tusla has been in contact with funded organisations, including those in the Cavan/Monaghan region, in relation to a Strategic Review of Domestic Violence Accommodation to inform Tusla's future commissioning of domestic violence emergency accommodation services, and to ensure that the evolving needs of service users are met. Tusla will carry out further engagements as the year progresses with a view to finalising the review. Future developments will be informed by the findings of the review and the recommendations of the Monitoring Committee of the National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence.

Tusla emphasises that its key priority at all times is to ensure that the needs of victims are met in the best way possible, with due attention to the quality, accessibility, and outcome of services.