Frances Fitzgerald
Ceist:120 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health if, where a regional domestic violence shelter does not exist, he will ensure that health boards establish one or support women's groups already providing such a service.
Written Answers. - Domestic Violence Shelters.
Refuges for the victims of family violence are available at the following locations:
Women's Refuge, Rathmines
Aoibhneas Women's Refuge, Ballymun
Women's Aid Refuge, Bray
Esker House, Athlone
Cuanlee House, Cork
Adapt House, Limerick
Waterside Hostel, Galway
Women's Aid Refuge, Navan
The Women's Refuge in Rathmines is operated directly by the Eastern Health Board. The other refuges receive an annual grant from the relevant health board towards running costs.
The situation in relation to the availability of facilities and services of the victims of family violence is being kept under review. I recently received a report from representatives of the women's refuges and I am currently examining the proposals contained in that report for the development of additional purpose-built refuge accommodation for women and children fleeing from domestic violence.