Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I can commit to Deputy Connolly that the programme for Government and the Government fully recognises the need for additional refuge spaces and the Government has committed to an action plan on this issue. As the Deputy said, Tusla has responsibility for care and protection of victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Tusla's accommodation review, which currently is being finalised, has examined the current level of refuge provision, the evidence of demand for services and unmet need and has undertaken an analysis of proximity to refuge by local communities. The review will present recommendations on future configuration of accommodation and services which may be required to holistically meet the needs of victims of such domestic violence.

The third national strategy on domestic violence is to be published by the end of this year and will include actions around future investment in refuges. Tusla has been allocated €28 million in funding for domestic violence services this year, which is an increase of €2.7 million on the last year, along with an additional €2 million to specifically address challenges arriving during the pandemic. It is a real concern. The ongoing continuation of this pandemic and the effect it has on mental health, domestic situations and people who are vulnerable to abuse is a chronic concern and a real issue.

There will be no delay within the Government on the part of either the Minister for Justice or the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in publishing the findings of those reports and then acting on it. It has to be part of that wider approach to this health crisis, as we come out of it, to learn lessons and make sure we provide the refuges.

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