Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 December 2025
140. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if multi-annual funding commitments will be provided to ensure the sustainability of new refuges, including staffing and wraparound supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68350/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCombatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) and ensuring that victims and survivors have access to the support and services they need remain absolute priorities.
This Government has taken unprecedented actions to tackle DSGBV. Funding has been increased to almost €80m under Budget 2026 to support Cuan and services working to tackle these crimes, and the implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy. This represents an increase of €12m year on year.
This year, Cuan is funding 78 organisations across Ireland. This includes refuge and safe home services, as well as national organisations such as Women’s Aid and Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. In addition, organisations that provide a range of specialised supports, such as Men’s Development Network, MOVE, Pavee Point, Ruhama and Akidwa, will be operational across many counties nationally.
Cuan recognises the burden that having to apply for funding annually places on services. However, multi-annual funding arrangements are not available in respect of current expenditure budgets. Annual current expenditure allocations continue to be made through the annual Estimates process, subject to approval by the Oireachtas.
Cuan is working to ease the administrative burden on services by introducing practical measures that allow annual applications to carry over information from the previous year. Funding to services will increase in 2026 as an outcome of the funding received through Budget 2026. Cuan will be monitoring service activity across all DSGBV funded services, and this monitoring will identify increases in service provision.
