245 Mr. Dennehy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concerns regarding the funding of sexual assaults treatment units in Cork and in other centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24866/06]

I was pleased to launch earlier this week the report 'Sexual Assault Treatment Services — A National Review'. The Deputy should be aware that my Department does not directly fund or co-ordinate health and personal social services to victims of abuse. Monies are made available each year, formerly through the health boards, and now through the Health Services Executive, for the provision of services to women victims of violence. In recent years there has been a substantial increase in funding so that now over €12 million is provided annually for the provision of such services. The distribution of this funding is now a matter for the Health Services Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.