Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
328. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the statutory and operational responsibilities of CUAN; its role in policy development, funding allocation, data collection, and oversight of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services; and the functions which remain the direct responsibility of his Department. [9088/26]
View answerCombatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) and ensuring that victims and survivors receive the support and care they need is an absolute priority for me.
Cuan, the domestic, sexual and gender based violence agency, was established in January 2024 to strengthen Ireland’s response to tackling domestic, sexual and gender based violence (DSGBV). My Department retains responsibility for policy, legislative development and, with some exceptions, the allocation of funding, and is committed to supporting and complementing Cuan’s work in responding to DSGBV.
Cuan’s functions are set out in section 6 of the Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Act 2023. They include planning, coordinating, and monitoring the delivery of refuge accommodation, providing financial support to service providers, developing national service standards and leading research and data collection to inform service development and strategy implementation. It also drives national awareness and prevention campaigns and coordinates the implementation of the Third National Strategy on DSGBV.
Cuan delivers these responsibilities through its five core operational functions: Service Delivery and Development, Strategic Engagement, Communications and Education, Research and Data, and Governance and Corporate Services, which collectively enable the agency to deliver on its statutory remit. Cuan also plays a central role in service coordination and collating data to inform service development and strategy.
