Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024
301. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 15 of 11 October 2023, the number of safe homes delivered of the 50 that were committed to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3637/24]
View answer302. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 15 of 11 October 2023, what refuge centres are expected to do in cases where service users cannot access the rental market after six weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3638/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 301 and 302 together.
Combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) is a priority for me and my Department and this is reflected in a range of policies and legislation, as well as unprecedented increases in Budget allocations.
The Government is committed to doubling the number of refuge places to 280 as part of our Zero Tolerance Strategy to tackle domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
To achieve this ambitious goal we are working with all stakeholders to put in place the necessary structures and supports to accelerate the delivery of additional refuge accommodation year on year.
A key priority was the delivery of the new statutory DSGBV agency, Cuan, which was established on 1 January 2024.
In addition, I secured a €10m increase in funding for DSGBV under Budget 2024 and as such, Cuan has a total budget of approximately €59 million for this year.
The majority of this funding will be allocated to the provision of DSGBV services.
As the Deputy may be aware, the development of 36 refuge units is currently underway in Wexford, Dundalk and Navan. The aim is to deliver 98 refuge units in priority locations by end 2025 along with further additional and upgraded units by the end of the Strategy.
In addition, Safe Homes - another form of emergency domestic violence accommodation - are an important part of the response.
Safe Homes are usually provided as a separate unit of accommodation, for example a flat or a house, at a community or local level. It generally suits those at low to medium risk of serious harm. At the end of 2023, there were 49 Safe Homes available and we are anticipating an additional 12 Safe Homes in 2024. Cuan is working with the sector and the Department of Housing on the provision of refuge and safe homes.
Cuan will be in a position to work closely with relevant Departments, agencies, local authorities and stakeholders to further assess the national need, and build capability and standards with a view to ramping up delivery.
