Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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395. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the level of funding Tusla will be allocating to domestic violence services in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59859/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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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. My allocation to Tusla for 2021 included €28m in core funding for Domestic Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) services and an additional €2m in contingency funding to support challenges of DSGBV service providers arising from COVID-19.

The specific amount to be used for the purpose outlined by the Deputy is not yet established. However, I have directed Tusla to use part of these additional resources to maintain supports for DSGBV services and address the recommendations arising from Tusla’s Accommodation Review relating to refuge provision.

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

It is of the utmost importance that the needs of those who experience domestic violence are met in the most appropriate way possible. I strongly support the work of Tusla and its funded service providers and I am committed to supporting Tusla in meeting the needs of individuals who experience domestic violence.

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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396. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the planned investment in a location with regard to refuge provision (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59860/21]

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 policy coordinated by the Department of Justice. Under the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV. Capital funding for Approved Housing Bodies, including services that provide refuge accommodation for victims of DSGBV, is provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

I am not in a position to confirm planned investment in the location to which the Deputy refers to provide a refuges for victims of domestic violence will be established in County Laois.

Tusla’s ‘Review of the Provision of Accommodation for Victims of Domestic Violence’ assesses the current and requisite distribution of safe emergency accommodation and has examined the current level of refuge provision, evidence of demand for services and unmet need, and analysis of proximity to refuge by local communities. The Review has been completed and is undergoing the final edit for publication shortly.

My Department will be guided by the recommendations of the Review. I expect that the implementation process for the Review will identify priority areas where there is greatest urgency in achieving safe accommodation for victims of DSGBV.

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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397. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if services will be resourced to respond to increased demand or simply to maintain existing service levels for a domestic abuse service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59861/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The funding for a service such as the one mentioned by the Deputy is an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have therefore referred his question to Tusla and asked that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.