Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 October 2023
15. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice if she will comment on her plans to increase step-down accommodation for survivors of domestic violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44144/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 is the enactment of legislation to provide for the establishment of a new DSGBV agency in January, which I was delighted to introduce last month and which is currently before these Houses.
I have secured a €12 million increase in funding for DSGBV under Budget 2024. This will give the agency a core budget of €43m next year which will increase nationwide coverage of supports and services, and boost momentum in implementing our ambitious national strategy.
The development of 36 refuge units is 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. I expect to increase the number of Safe Homes to 50 by the end of this year, up from 36 at the end of 2022.
Tusla is working with the sector and the Department of Housing on the provision of refuge and safe homes. Step-down accommodation is delivered through the local authorities who are committed to reviewing the guidelines for step-down accommodation under Zero Tolerance.
The new Agency, 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.
