Domestic Violence

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023

Thursday, 14 December 2023

Ceisteanna (386, 387, 388)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

386. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the progress made on establishing a refuge for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in Cavan. [55879/23]

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

387. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice if she has had discussions with Cavan County Council on a proposed site for a refuge in the county and for an update on the progress on selecting a site. [55880/23]

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

388. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice when she expects a refuge in Cavan to be operational. [55881/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 386 to 388, inclusive, together.

A key goal of the Zero Tolerance Strategy to address domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV), is ensuring that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one, and I am committed to working with my Government colleagues and those working in the sector to achieve this.

As the deputy is aware, the Government will establish Cuan, the statutory agency dedicated to combatting DSGBV in Ireland next month.

The agency will have a specific mandate to drive the implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy across Government, bringing the expertise and focus required to tackle this complex social issue.

Pending establishment of the Agency, responsibility for DSGBV services, including the provision and funding of refuge spaces, continues to be channeled through Tusla.

I have referred the question posed by the Deputy to Tusla for direct reply.

Question No. 387 answered with Question No. 386.

Question No. 388 answered with Question No. 386.