Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ever since my time working in the free legal advice centres, when Women's Aid started the first hostel for women who are victims of domestic violence, we have not had enough refuges. Unfortunately, even as we went through good times, we did not have adequate accommodation. Funding for refuges for domestic violence victims comes substantially through the Department of Health and HSE as opposed to my Department, which can play only a very small role in this area. It is an issue with which I am very familiar because of my work over the years. We do what we can to be supportive of the various groups engaged in providing refuges for victims of domestic violence. Unfortunately, as with every other area in the State at present, there is a limit on the resources available. I know this is an issue of particular interest and concern to the Minister of State Deputy Kathleen Lynch and the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, who work in this area.

All I can do as Minister for Justice and Equality is urge that funding be provided. Cosc is very conscious of the needs in this area. I would like us to be in a position in which there are greater resources available for providing refuges for those who need a place in which to live safely, even if only temporarily.

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