RCNI Press Release - 29 July 2011

The Minister's office has confirmed today that the funding initially extended to the end of July will now be further extended. The Minister had acted to halt the closure of the RCNI after a HSE decision to end all funding at the end of May this year. The RCNI look forward to learning more about the outcome of the Minister’s review. We will then need to consider what implications these have for the organisation and the rape crisis sector.

Fiona Neary, RCNI director said, ‘we are relieved to hear today that our funding will be extended. The immediate implication is that the redundancies due today will not now be implemented. We will be looking further at this when we have more information and will be in a position to consider the broader and long term implications for the work of the RCNI and the Rape Crisis sector in the prevention of sexual violence and ensuring survivors receive appropriate responses and services which vindicate their rights, dignity and support their healing. At a time when more and more survivors are seeking support the national coordinating role of the RCNI is critical in facilitating services to meet those needs and in honouring our commitment to survivors to make the experiences and wisdom they share with us work towards positive change, through our national data collection, policy and advocacy work.

‘We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to everyone, from individuals, organisations, members of the media and public representatives, who took the time to support us and campaign on our behalf, over the past few months. These months have been difficult for us and your support made all the difference. Not least, we remain thankful to Minister Reilly for taking the decision to intervene in this matter.’

We will not, today, be making any further public statements. We will publicly update our position once we know more.

Ends