Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2022
360. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a refuge centre for victims of domestic abuse will be established in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7297/22]
View answerThe response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-Agency issue coordinated by the Department of Justice. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, provides supports for victims of domestic violence primarily through funded NGO service providers.
I am informed by Tusla that support for victims of DSGBV in Counties Cavan and Monaghan is available through the services of Tearmann, which is based in Monaghan and funded by Tusla. Tearmann also provides outreach services in both counties. Tusla funding to Tearmann in 2021 was just over €214,000.
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 publication is expected next week.
Government 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.
