Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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713. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he is taking to expand the deployment of services following the Barnahus model nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16937/21]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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714. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will make reports relating to a pilot service (details supplied) available including recommendations on the way in which this form of service can be rolled out nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16938/21]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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717. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he is taking to expand the deployment of services following the Barnahus model nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16981/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 713, 714 and 717 together.

I thank the Deputy for her questions and I am pleased to report progress on the development of the national Barnahus service for children who have experienced sexual abuse and their families.

The Interdepartmental Group (IDG) leading this initiative comprises representation from my Department, the Departments of Health and Justice, and the key service delivery agencies-Tusla , An Garda Siochána, HSE and Children's Hospital Ireland. The IDG has agreed and adopted a plan for the development of the service nationally, based on learning captured from the development and implementation of the initial Galway service.

The Galway service continues to operate the Barnahus model. A long term building is being remodelled and fitted out to accommodate both the adult SATU (Sexual Assault Treatment Unit) service and the child centred Barnahus centre, which will have separate access.

It is envisaged that Barnahus and SATU services will align where possible to facilitate the close working relationship needed where the victim is a teenager who may need a mix of adult (forensic) services and a child protection service.

The IDG has established the National Agency Steering Committee (NASC), comprised of senior managers from Tusla, AGS, HSE and Children’s Hospital Ireland. This Committee convened in January 2021 and has had three meetings to date as they organise and oversee operational matters associated with the development and management of Barnahus nationally.

It is proposed that the Barnahus model will operate in three locations- Barnahus West, Barhanus South and Barnahus East where the main service will be located in Galway, Cork and Dublin. Over time it is planned that centres will develop regional outreach capacity.

Barnahus developmental budget requests for staff for health, therapy, child protection and criminal matters will be progressed by the respective agencies through the estimates process to the relevant Departments.

The IDG will continue to meet and hold a policy and advisory role for the overall service. Progress challenges and supports for the development of the national service will be reported through IDG members and the reporting structure in place for the NASC.