Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1083. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice to report on the interdepartmental group with responsibility for refuge provision in the State; if she can provide an update on the provision for a women's refuge in Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37356/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, Government is committed to doubling of the number of refuge places to 280 as part of our Zero Tolerance Plan, the Third National Strategy to tackle domestic, sexual and gender based violence.
In order to achieve this ambitious goal we are working with all stakeholders to put in place the necessary structures and supports to accelerate the delivery of additional refuge accommodation year on year. In addition, the enactment of legislation to provide for the establishment of a new DSGBV agency in January 2024, which will work with the sector and with Department of Housing to deliver more refuge spaces, is a key priority.
Work undertaken to implement the Strategy has already prepared the way for this, including through the development of agreed processes and approaches that will support organisations to deliver the highest standard of refuge accommodation in the most efficient and holistic way.
As the Deputy is aware, the development of 28 refuge units is underway in Wexford, Dundalk and Navan to be delivered by end 2024. There will be 98 refuge units in priority locations delivered by end 2025 along with a further 19 additional and upgraded units by the end of the Strategy.
I can assure the Deputy that Tusla is continuing to support the process of developing a refuge for Carlow, and is also is supporting Carlow’s Women’s Aid to progress a number of Safe Home units (4) in Carlow.
In relation to the development of a refuge in Carlow, which is a priority location, and as previously detailed to the Deputy, a group of local stakeholders associated with the local domestic violence network established the Carlow Refuge Development Advisory Group, and they have had considerable engagement with Tusla over the course of the year to date.
A process was undertaken by the group to identify possible organisations interested in taking a lead on developing a refuge in Carlow. This early-stage process was concluded in June and a report was submitted to Tusla with recommendations that will inform the next steps and timeline for the development of the Carlow domestic violence refuge.
Tusla has met with both organisations that the group have recommended. Both groups have expressed an interest in progressing in discussions with the refuge. I am advised that these discussions will resume this month.
