Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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246. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the funding from Budget 2022 that is being allocated to developing women's refuges across the country; the current number of women’s refuges per county; the funding for each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51814/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-agency issue with overall policy coordinated by the Department of Justice. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV under the Child and Family Agency Act 2013. Separately, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has responsibility in terms of capital provision for the development of new refuges. Engagement is ongoing between relevant agencies, Departments and Non-governmental Organisations on this matter.

I was pleased to announce in Budget 2022 that Tusla will be allocated €899m for 2022, which is an increase of €41m over the amount allocated in Budget 2021. With the additional resources being provided to Tusla for 2022, I have expectations Tusla will maintain the heightened level of supports for DSGBV services and address the recommendations arising from Tusla’s Accommodation Review of refuge provision. However, the specific amount to be used for the purpose outlined by the Deputy is not yet established.

I will shortly issue my Performance Statement to Tusla outlining the overall parameters of Tusla's financial resources, and signalling my priorities for the coming year in accordance with section 44 of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013. In response to this, Tusla will prepare its annual Business Plan for 2022 in accordance with section 46 of the Act. This outlines the proposed activities for the year and the details of the proposed allocation of total financial resources.

I have asked Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the current number of women’s refuges per county and the funding for each county as these are operational matters for Tusla.