Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
396. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the planned investment in a location with regard to refuge provision (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59860/21]
View answerThe response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-agency issue with policy coordinated by the Department of Justice. Under the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV. Capital funding for Approved Housing Bodies, including services that provide refuge accommodation for victims of DSGBV, is provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
I am not in a position to confirm planned investment in the location to which the Deputy refers to provide a refuges for victims of domestic violence will be established in County Laois.
Tusla’s ‘Review of the Provision of Accommodation for Victims of Domestic Violence’ assesses the current and requisite distribution of safe emergency accommodation and has examined the current level of refuge provision, evidence of demand for services and unmet need, and analysis of proximity to refuge by local communities. The Review has been completed and is undergoing the final edit for publication shortly.
My Department will be guided by the recommendations of the Review. I expect that the implementation process for the Review will identify priority areas where there is greatest urgency in achieving safe accommodation for victims of DSGBV.
