Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

516. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the total spend allocated to Tusla under the third Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Strategy for capital works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26054/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under Budget 2023 an extra €9m was secured for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, a 22pc increase. The €9m includes increased funding of just under €7million (€6.88m) for organisations funded by Tusla.

Funding of €5.75m is being provided to maintain and support current DSGBV service provision, which includes a 6pc across the board uplift to address service sustainability and cost pressures. Additionally, €1.13m is being provided to support new service developments around domestic violence accommodation.

Funding allocations were based on engagement with the DSGBV sector and priorities set out in the Third National Strategy which was launched by Minister McEntee last June.

In total, Tusla has been allocated approximately €37m for DSGBV services in 2023. Funding from Tusla supports the ongoing revenue costs of operating refuges and providing support services.

The Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government provides capital funding under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) for the development of refuge spaces, including for those immediate priority places to be delivered as per the Third National Strategy. As such, questions on capital funding should be directed to my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government.

As the Deputy will be aware, a new Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency, under the remit of my Department, will be established in January 2024. The new agency will continue to work closely with the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government to support organisations in advancing plans to provide additional refuge places.