Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Not yet. Specific funding has been allocated in this year's budget in respect of the roll-out more of these. Last year, funding was provided for three projects under way in Dundalk, Wexford and County Meath. Additional funding in this year's budget will allow for more individuals to work in these key priority areas. The budget was only introduced a few weeks ago, and we are still working through it. Focus is being placed on ensuring the rapid development of areas where we do not have refuges or accommodation and, in the interim, how we can put in place safe houses. There are different types of accommodation for those who are immediately in danger. There are also types of accommodation for where there is less of an immediate danger. Safe houses are also available to women and children who perhaps cannot stay at home or who do not want to be at home.

Under the zero-tolerance strategy, work is under way to look at how we can make changes to ensure the victim is not the person who has to leave the home. This was looked at previously. There is a challenge that has come up time and time again. I firmly believe that those who are perpetrating the violence should be the ones to leave. This does mean that accommodation has to be found elsewhere in a different way. It is important that women and children in particular should be able to stay in the home. The more refuge we need, the bigger problem it is. We need to look at this in both ways. I can give the Deputy a specific time and update on her area. I do not have it with me because we were focusing on the areas for discussion today. I have a very clear graph of where properties have been bought and where there is engagement with local authorities. We will be able to provide this to Deputy Smyth in more detail.