Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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614. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a report by an organisation (details supplied) showing a sharp increase in women and children fleeing domestic violence during Covid-19, including 3,450 women and 589 children contacted a domestic violence service for the first time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36383/20]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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My attention has been drawn to the report to which the Deputy refers.

Improving services for victims of domestic violence is very important to me, as reflected in my commitment, with my Cabinet colleague Minister McEntee, to undertake an audit of responsibility for DSGBV across government departments. I have engaged with many service providers since my appointment on issues arising in the provision of services for victims of domestic violence. I am committed to ensuring that the audit identifies the required infrastructure for DSGBV policy and services to be dealt with in as effective a manner as possible.

Tusla is also undertaking a strategic review of emergency accommodation for victims of domestic violence. The review will provide insight into current distribution of services and unmet needs. This review and the recommendations of the Monitoring Committee for the Second National Strategy on DSGBV will inform decisions on future service provision.  

The Deputy will be aware that there will be Statements on Domestic Violence in the Dáil on Thursday afternoon. While these statements will be led by Minister McEntee, I will also be contributing to the debate.