To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the non-allocation of funding in 2008 to a project (details supplied) in County Cork; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that no accommodation exists to provide core services; if she will make an allocation to this group; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the non-allocation of funding in 2008 to a project (details supplied) in County Cork; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that no accommodation exists to provide core services; if she will make an allocation to this group; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

- Seán Sherlock

Details Supplied: The North Cork Domestic Violence project administered through YANA (You are not alone); In 2007 the group's operating budget was €42,476 which did not meet the needs of their operation. This is the only voluntary service meeting the needs of women who suffer from Domestic Violence. The group last received funding in 2007 of €6,117

YANA the North Cork Domestic Violence Project receives annual funding from the HSE South. This funding has come through the Regional Committee on Violence Against Women. This committee has disbanded since September 2008.

At National Level in 2007 the National Networks of Refuges, Rape Crisis Centres and Support Services decided with the HSE to address the issues of staffing conditions of these services. Terms and Conditions were agreed by all concerned and the 4.2 million that was made available nationally for this sector was allocated to the groups to meet the new Terms and Conditions.
YANA received €50,000 in 2007 and received €62,646 in 2008. This funding is allocated towards Salary costs. A small operation budget of €6000 is included in this.
YANA currently rent a small space in a community facility. However this space limits the services they want to provide. The HSE South are not currently in a position to allocate additional funding to the group.

YANA is doing excellent work in the North Cork Area. It supports approximately 200 women annually. This includes the provision of services such as a telephone support service, outreach work, court accompaniment, education and awareness programmes. The group will be able to maintain their existing services from their current premises but in order to deliver a more comprehensive service to the women of North Cork they would require additional funding for renting a larger premises and for additional staff. This group applied for a grant of €138,000 to the HSE for 2008. However there was only €62,466 available to fund this organisation in 2008 from the HSE. The details of all applications will be retained on file.