Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can assure the Deputy that tackling domestic abuse and providing supports for victims is a priority for me as Minister for Justice and for Government. I am working with my colleagues and with our partners to ensure we have an appropriate collective national response that supports victims and holds perpetrators to account.

There is no doubt that restricted movement in the context of the pandemic poses an increased risk of domestic abuse, evidenced by figures reported by frontline services. This was a key concern for Government when considering the potential impact of restricting movements, and back in March, my Department developed an inter-agency plan prioritising tackling domestic abuse, raising awareness of the risks and providing extra support for victims during this very difficult period.

My Department has provided additional resources, support, enforcement and services which will continue to be made available throughout the pandemic. Domestic abuse cases are being prioritised by the Gardaí, through Operation Faoiseamh, by the Courts and by the Legal Aid Board.

Covid specific funding to assist organisations working in this area in 2020 is being maintained and increased under Budget 2021.

Both An Garda Síochána and my Department have publicised the fact that the Covid related travel restrictions do not apply to persons who are at risk or are removing themselves from a domestic abuse situation. This is to ensure victims are aware of this fact and know that Gardaí will support them at any checkpoint they encounter, regardless of their distance from home.

While Tusla has responsibility for funding frontline services for victims of domestic abuse, my Department provides funding for initiatives aimed at combatting domestic abuse and sexual violence and also provides funding to promote and assist the development of support services to victims of crime, which includes victims of domestic and sexual crime.

This year I have secured funding of €4.104 million to support victims of crime and some €3 million for raising awareness of domestic, sexual and gender based violence. These figures reflect the additional €2.3 million provided in Budget 2021 for implementation of Supporting a Victim's Journey.

I would emphasise that this Government is not just working collectively to address the immediate challenges posed by the pandemic, but is also working together to improve how we deliver supports and services to domestic abuse victims going forward.

I can assure the Deputy that I continue to prioritise all aspects of our work to combat domestic abuse and to address the needs of victims, both through short term measures and working with my colleagues to evaluate and improve how we do this in the longer-term.