Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the issue the Deputy is raising. She knows that the challenges involved in providing longer-term housing for those who find themselves homeless can impact, as I have said, on the length of time a family stays in emergency refuge accommodation. Of course this can have a knock-on effect on spaces for those with acute safety needs seeking access to a refuge. I am concerned that the level of demand for services in the Deputy's region is greater than the current available capacity, and I appreciate her raising the matter. Tusla will allocate funding of €493,000 to the refuge this year, and it is committed to ensuring there is more equitable access to the services, but it will also work in partnership with local organisations, such as Amber Kilkenny Women's Refuge, to obtain the best possible supports for families experiencing domestic violence in Ireland. As part of its approach it is assessing the level of need throughout the country and is working closely with key stakeholders to develop an appropriate service response.

See this speech in context