Green Party calls on Justice Minister to explain funding cut to Domestic Violence Agency

Press Release: Justice 19 January 2007

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19 January 2007

Green Party calls on Justice Minister to explain funding cut for Domestic Violence Agency

The Green Party today called on the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell to explain why he is refusing to continue funding for the National Domestic Violence Intervention Agency (NDVIA) and why his Department ignored 16 requests for meetings from the NDVIA. The NDVIA is due to close its operations in the coming days due to Department's refusal to confirm a continuation of its funding.

Green Party spokesperson for Justice Ciarán Cuffe TD said: "I have written to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform today seeking clarification on the matter and requesting that he take steps without delay to ensure that this vital service is not lost. The NDVIA has been working with An Garda Síochana, Courts Service, Probation and Welfare Service, Health Service Executive and others to develop an inter-agency response to domestic violence which places the safety of the victim and children as paramount.

"I met with representatives from the NDVIA in November of last year and was concerned to hear of the difficulties experienced by the project due to a severe lack of clarity regarding continued funding. It is simply unacceptable that the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has ignored 16 requests from the NDVIA for a meeting to discuss the future of the project. Unfortunately, the project's future has now become all too clear and it will close within days if the Minister does not take immediate action.

"This Government's record on tackling domestic violence leaves a lot to be desired. Yesterday the Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Women's Affairs Sean Ardagh TD admitted that six Government departments currently share responsibility for dealing with domestic violence and consequently there is no clear policy agenda in place. This is simply not good enough. The Government should be increasing funding to organisations tackling domestic violence, not standing idly by as they close their doors due to a lack of support."