Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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483. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of domestic violence refuge spaces in each county in tabular form; the plans to increase funding for these spaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54163/21]

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. My Department is engaging with Tusla, Non-Government Organisations that play a key role in this area, and other relevant Government Departments and Agencies, particularly the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Justice, to progress work in this area.

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 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 details of the proposed allocation of total financial resources.

I have asked Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the number of domestic violence refuge spaces in each county, as this is an operational matter for Tusla.