Questions and domestic violence funding
After some interruptions, the Leader continued replying to Order of Business points, insisting he was entitled to address the major issue being discussed. He set out existing domestic violence supports and funding through Tusla and national strategy measures.
Well done. The Leader is using his position.
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You must be in a hurry, a Leas-Chathaoirligh.
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Senator Conway-Walsh is trying to goad me into having a cat and mouse game. I fully accept that the facts she presented are her version of reality.
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I accept that there is a lot of work that we need to continue to do. I have no issue with that, Senator Conway-Walsh.
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The point I wish to make in this context is that the domestic violence legislation has been enacted, the Tánaiste has launched the national strategy and, in addition, Tusla, which is the organisation charged with the responsibility, is providing funding for 60 services throughout the country: €12 million for emergency refugee support services; €4.6 million for community-based domestic violence support services; and €4 million for rape crisis centres.
In addition, in the Tusla budget for 2017 national investment in domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services will increase by €1.5 million. Tusla is providing funding for 147 family units of emergency non-refuge space and it includes eight additional family units; six additional family units of emergency accommodation in Dublin and Kildare and two in Sligo. In Cork, Edel House has been upgraded and renovated. The emergency national violence accommodation spaces in Rebuilding Ireland will be additional. While I accept Senator Conway-Walsh has a legitimate concern and a right to articulate it, it is important to recognise that work is being done and the Government is providing funding. I hope we can put that on the record as well.