Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2023
69. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the provision of refuge spaces and the commitment to double the number of refuge spaces available across the country over the lifetime of the Zero Tolerance Strategy. [55072/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, legislation that provides for the establishment of the statutory domestic, sexual and gender based violence (DSGBV) agency completed its passage through the Houses last month. The agency, which I announced will be called Cuan, will be under the remit of my Department and dedicated to tackling and reducing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) and supporting victims and survivors. The Agency is expected to become operational by the end of January 2024.
In addition to coordinating and reporting on the delivery of Government strategies relating to DSGBV (including the current National Strategy, Zero Tolerance), the agency will support and oversee the delivery of safe and accessible refuge accommodation, and ensure the delivery of excellent services to victims of DSGBV (including helpline and other supports).
A key priority under the Zero Tolerance strategy is to double the number of refuge places over the lifetime of the strategy to 280 spaces.
Development of up to 36 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.
The priority locations identified are:
• Sligo (8 family places)
• Cavan/Monaghan (8 family places)
• Cork city (12 family places – 6 new, 6 replacement)
• North Cork (5 family places)
• West Cork (5 family places)
• Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown (10 family places)
• Westmeath (8 family places – four new, four replacements)
• Portlaoise (8 family places)
• Balbriggan (10 family places)
• Longford (8 family places)
• Carlow (8 family places)
• Offaly (8 family places)
Engagement is ongoing to identify lead providers and sites in each of the priority locations with providers identified in most locations, and sites identified in many others.
In addition, an interdepartmental group is developing and progressing agreed processes and approaches to ensure we have the highest standard of refuge accommodation, delivered in the most efficient way.
This will result in a more streamlined process for capital funding applications for new refuges, and it has always been envisaged that the provision of new refuge spaces would accelerate as we progress through the lifetime of the Zero Tolerance strategy.
