Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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386. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality 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 (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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387. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality 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 (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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388. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when she expects a refuge in Cavan to be operational. [55881/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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.

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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389. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if Ireland is on track to provide a refuge in every county over the lifetime of the current Zero Tolerance strategy. [55882/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Legislation providing for the establishment of the statutory domestic, sexual and gender based violence (DSGBV) agency completed its passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas last month.

The agency, which will be called Cuan, will fall under the remit of my Department and will be dedicated to tackling and reducing DSGBV and supporting victims and survivors.

The Agency is expected to become operational by the end of January 2024.

In addition to coordinating and reporting on the delivery of Government strategies relating to DSGBV (including the current National Strategy, Zero Tolerance), the Agency will support and oversee the delivery of safe and accessible refuge accommodation, and ensure the delivery of excellent services to victims of DSGBV (including helpline and other supports).

A key priority under the Zero Tolerance strategy is the doubling the number of refuge places over the lifetime of the strategy to 280 spaces.

Development of up to 36 refuge units is underway in Wexford, Dundalk and Navan to be delivered by end 2024.

There will be 98 refuge units in priority locations delivered by end 2025 along with a further 19 additional and upgraded units by the end of the strategy.

The priority locations identified are:

- Sligo (8 family places)

- Cavan/Monaghan (8 family places)

- Cork city (12 family places – 6 new, 6 replacement)

- North Cork (5 family places)

- West Cork (5 family places)

- Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown (10 family places)

- Westmeath (8 family places – four new, four replacements) Portlaoise (8 family places)

- Balbriggan (10 family places)

- Longford (8 family places)

- Carlow (8 family places)

- Offaly (8 family places)

Engagement is ongoing to identify lead providers and sites in each of the priority locations with providers identified in most locations, and sites identified in many others.

In addition, an interdepartmental group is developing and progressing agreed processes and approaches to ensure we have the highest standard of refuge accommodation, delivered in the most efficient way.

This will result in a more streamlined process for capital funding applications for new refuges, and it has always been envisaged that the provision of new refuge spaces would accelerate as we progress through the lifetime of the Zero Tolerance strategy.