Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2023
354. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if the new post of CEO of the Domestic Sexual and Gender Based Violence Agency is being advertised outside of the State or if this advertisement is just restricted to within the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43789/23]
View answerIn line with a key recommendation of the audit of responsibility for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV), Government has agreed to establish a dedicated statutory agency that will be charged with co-ordinating the Government’s response to this important area.
The agency will have a range of responsibilities including the funding and commissioning of DSGBV services, supporting the delivery of refuges and co-ordinating the implementation of the Third National Strategy on DSGBV.
This new agency will be tasked with ensuring the delivery of excellent services to victims of DSGBV, and with driving and coordinating the implementation of the Strategy across Government.
The agency will bring the dedicated and expert focus that is needed to tackle the serious and complex societal problem of DSGBV. Its main functions as set out in the Bill to establish the include:
• planning, commissioning and funding DSGBV services;
• overseeing and supporting the provision of refuge accommodation for victims;
• setting standards for services and refuges, and monitoring adherence;
• disseminating information on DSGBV, and leading and supporting awareness-raising campaigns;
• conducting, commissioning and supporting research;
• supporting, co-ordinating and reporting on the implementation of the Strategy; and
• assisting the Minister in developing future DSGBV strategies.
The Bill to establish this agency is a top Government priority under the autumn legislative programme.
It is envisaged that the agency, headed by a CEO, will have over 30 staff members. The staff will be designated as civil servants of the Government.
The CEO for the agency will be appointed to a fixed-term contract by the Minister following recruitment by open competition. That competition is now underway and the advertisement is not restricted to within the State.
The advertising of this post has been organised by the Public Appointment Service (PAS) and has been advertised by placing notices in selected national newspapers, on a prominent jobs website with significant international reach, through social media and circulation to sectoral stakeholders.
In addition, PAS issues job alerts by email and text message to those who have registered their interest in positions at this level on the publicjobs.ie website, and circulates to Civil Service Departments as well as other Public Service Bodies.
