Ms Mary McDermott:

That is a very difficult question but we have thought about it. The position that we have in our initial discussions among ourselves has really been that in the new roll-out of refuge, it is very important that, precisely, we do not repeat the mistakes of the past. We need land and gifts, for example, to be free and unencumbered and for the ethos, ideology or development around domestic, sexual and gender-based violence to follow and track the findings of a House such as this, in order that the Government has a guide over what is right for the citizens of this country. That is a very important part of what we do.

With regard to the process of merging, we cannot underestimate the breadth and depth of knowledge and expertise in the networks of refuge and support services around the country. They have to be absolutely front and centre in guiding, advisory and consultative, if not lead, roles as the local communities see fit. However, this is a process of consultation and design. If we take the time to do it, we will not repeat the difficulties of the past. The Deputy has put his finger on a thorny issue that we need to talk through, as a democracy and a republic.