Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2015
117. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress, to date, in providing supported accommodation and inter-related services for women offenders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7227/15]
View answerThe Abigail Women's Centre run by Depaul Ireland and Novas Ireland opened in Kildonan Road, Finglas, in December 2014. This new facility has increased capacity to accommodate women referred by both the Probation Service and Irish Prison Service.
Novas Ireland also operates an accommodation unit for women who are allocated places through Dublin City Council on the same site. The separate facilities are located in adjoining buildings with opportunities to share resources.
This is a dedicated women's initiative involving a range of agencies working together including the Dublin Regional Housing Executive, Dublin City Council, Probation Service, Irish Prison Service, Health Service Executive, and the Dublin City Education and Training Board. The Centre provides supported accommodation and a wide variety of inter-related services for vulnerable women. On-site supports include life skills, education, training for the workplace, family mediation, addiction services, physical and mental health services, budgeting and housing.
