Removal of rape support funding defended

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs has defended the decision to cease funding the Rape Crisis Network of Ireland, saying areas had been identified where the money could be used better.

In a statement on the decision taken by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, Minister James Reilly said he had requested that the agency give particular priority to protecting frontline services.

The Rape Crisis Network (RCNI) provides support services to 11 of the country’s 16 local rape crisis centres that provide frontline services, and co-ordinates training, governance, research and lobbying on their behalf.