Ms Fiona Ryan:

I refer to Deputy Coppinger's questions. I want to outline things in such a way as to explain our model of services. SONAS provides refuge, but we also provide outreach and visiting support. Part of the visiting support involves a homeless prevention initiative for families who have experienced domestic violence and have secured accommodation. That is a leading cause of a lack of tenancy sustainment for women and children.

We work with women and children in their homes to avoid them having to go to a refuge. We also provide safe homes in the community, which is different to the safe housing to which Deputy Ó Broin referred. Our safe homes are homes that are relatively discreet in communities where women and children receive intensive support from us. They are an alternative to refuges.