Helen McEntee

Approximately €3.8 million will made available through a targeted call to established DSGBV organisations operating services and supports specifically focused on victims and survivors of DSGBV. The funding will be administered by the new DSGBV Agency to be established in January 2024 supported by Tusla in the interim period.

Ms McEntee said: “In total, I have secured an additional €12m for combatting DSGBV which represents an unprecedented 25 per cent increase in funding for this area. This amount of additional funding being provided in 2024 is testament to the Government’s unwavering commitment to tackling domestic, sexual and gender based violence.

“It is my intention that every person who needs a refuge space will have access to one, and this extra €7.9m will be used to maintain existing services, to address existing acute demand, and for the enhancement and development of new services.

“This record level of funding will also support the implementation of Zero Tolerance, our Third National Strategy on DSGBV, which I launched last year.”

DSGBV organisations currently funded through Tusla will be invited to submit requirements or proposals for additional funding in a number of areas including:

• €2.5m available to domestic violence services to address acute sustainability and service demand pressures, and to support organisations to ensure greater coverage in rural areas and for children’s support services; and
• €1.3m available for sexual violence services to meet the needs of younger people and to address geographical gaps in provision

Approximately €2.5m for safe accommodation will be focused on the priority sites identified under the Third National Strategy with a significant portion allocated to the staffing of new refuges.

To aid in offsetting cost pressures sustainability funding has increased by nine per cent since 2022.

Ms McEntee added: “In general terms the funding announced today will increase the ability of organisations on the frontline to support victims, which is especially important given the rise in those seeking help.

“The additional funding is being made available through a targeted call to established DSGBV service providers.

“There is an emphasis on supporting projects that address unmet need geographically and/or for those with additional vulnerabilities or complex needs. The call will prioritise submissions that support therapeutic responses to young people who have experienced sexual violence/abuse from organisations that have the capacity to provide these services to a high standard.

“Tusla will contact the relevant organisations directly with details of how to apply.”