Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2021
69. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 93 of 27 May 2021, the status of the strategic review by Tusla of emergency domestic violence accommodation nationwide; when the review will be finalised and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36282/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-agency issue with overall policy coordinated by the Department of Justice. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV.
The Programme for Government recognises the need for additional refuge spaces and has committed to an action plan on this issue. Tusla is due to provide its finalised Strategic Review of Emergency Domestic Violence Accommodation to my Department shortly. The review will examine 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 will also present recommendations on future configuration of accommodation and services that may be required to holistically meet the needs of victims of DSGBV. I had hoped to receive the review during May but work on completion of the review was interrupted by the Cyberattack on the HSE.
Following the finalisation of the review, I look forward to engaging with Tusla, the Minister for Justice, the Minister for Housing, and other relevant parties on its recommendations and future outcomes. I am not in a position to advise on a publication date before these initial engagements. It remains my priority to ensure that the evolving needs of service users are met, and that the recommendations of the review inform strategic actions in the Third National Strategy on DSGBV.
