Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
689. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if progress has been made identifying a location for the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown domestic violence refuge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14611/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
Tusla supports Sonas, a provider of domestic violence services across Dublin, which currently provides a dedicated Outreach Support Worker and individual Safe Home accommodation units in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. Services at Bray Women's Refuge are also in close proximity to many people in the County. However, I recognise it is not situated within the County boundaries.
Tusla has engaged with a feasibility study on provision of safe accommodation for victims of domestic violence in this area, undertaken by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council in 2021. Tusla has advised my Department that there has been early stage discussions with stakeholders at the local level about potential future developments.
Tusla’s ‘Review of the Provision of Accommodation for Victims of Domestic Violence’ has been published. It assesses the distribution of safe emergency accommodation, examined the level of refuge provision, evidence of demand for services and unmet need, and analysis of proximity to refuge by local communities. An Inter-Departmental Group has been established with representatives from key Departments and Tusla. The group will be guided by the recommendations of the Review with a view to expanding availability of services to victims of DSGBV.
