Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for putting this matter on the list today and thank the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, who is fully aware of Teach Tearmainn in Kildare, having visited it a number of weeks ago. It was established in 1999 to develop a women and children's domestic violence service in Kildare. It has established and operated successful information, support and counselling services for the past 11 years for women and children from Kildare and its hinterland.

At the behest of the HSE and based on identified needs for service provision and minimum Council of Europe's standards, it began developing a refuge facility in 2001. After many hurdles over the past 11 years, a state-of-the-art purpose-built refuge was completed in January 2012. Teach Tearmainn took ownership of the facility on 17 January 2012. To date, in excess of €900,000 has been spent on the building, the majority of which came from the State. The magnificent facility unfortunately remains unopened today despite the fact it has everything one would need to ensure protection, comfort, assistance and everything else for those unfortunate enough to have to use them. There is CCTV and monitoring.

Since 17 January, a total of 14 women and 37 children from the county have sought refuge there. It is most likely that some of those children still remain at risk. Of these cases, eight were referred from State personnel, such as the Garda, social workers, community welfare officers, etc. At least six women and 16 children from Kildare have received refuge in other parts of the county. One family, I understand, had to go to Kerry. One can imagine the damage that does to a family. They have been taken from their own environs and moved 120 miles away.

The lack of refuges in Kildare further isolates women and children. Children are unable to continue to attend schools and are moved from their friends. It is a huge problem. The international research consistently shows women most at risk of leaving abusive relationships need a conduit of safety. Research shows that increasing women's social support in their localities also increases the capacity to live free from violence.

The board of management of Teach Tearmainn requested funding of €413,000 from the HSE in March 2011 and to date the request has not been answered. I received a number of e-mails in recent weeks stating that the HSE is offering €100,000 to open the facility. As a result of the technicalities, problems and staff required, €100,000 will not be enough to open the facility which was demanded in the first instance by the HSE.

When the key was due to be handed over the HSE determined it had no more funds. A magnificent building is lying idle. I am delighted the Minister of State is in the House because she knows exactly what I am talking about. I cannot understand why, if a commitment like that of the HSE is given to fund a facility, it is not being honoured. I received e-mails from the HSE but those involved in the refuge did not.

We talk about things happening. I cannot understand why permission is given to a group to proceed with a facility when people are being sent to Kerry and the building cannot be opened to allow people in. It is amazing, to say the least.

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