Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 May 2021
39. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will report on the 4,381 requests for emergency refuge from domestic violence that could not be met in 2018 and the 3,961 requests that could not be met in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26438/21]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV).
I understand that the figures in your question were supplied by Tusla in response to your previous question 19107/21, and reflect the number of contacts made, rather than the number of individuals concerned. Tusla has clarified that a person may make a number of requests for refuge, some or all of which may be unmet, due to lack of space, not meeting safety criteria, or other factors.
In my Performance Statement to the Agency for 2021, I requested that the publicationof all DSGBV data for previous years would be addressed as a priority. Tusla is due to publish the full statistics relating to the use of Tusla-funded emergency domestic violence accommodation for 2018 and 2019. The Tusla Business Plan 2021 also commits to analysing current DSGBV data flows and systems across the sector and developing plans to ensure consistency and quality whereappropriate.
It is always concerning to hear of requests for emergency refuges that have not been met. My officials are in constant engagement with Tusla on matters related to DSGBV services. I also regularly engage with stakeholders in the sector, who work on the front line with individuals seeking advice, counselling, refuge, or other supports.
It is of the utmost importance that the needs of those who experience domestic violence are met in the most appropriate way possible. The availability of valid data to inform decisions is of paramount importance. I, along with my colleagues in government, am committed to ensuring future service provision is evidence based and designed to meet the holistic needs of individuals who experience domestic violence.
