Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is correct that we need everybody to work together. That is what makes a difference and provides results. As regards a refuge centre for Carlow-Kilkenny, the accommodation review that I understand Tusla is finalising has examined the current level of refuge provision, evidence of demand for services and unmet need. It has also done an analysis of proximity to refuges by local communities. The findings of the review and the recommendations of the monitoring committee of the second national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence will inform the future decisions of the Government and Tusla on priority areas for investment and development of services. This includes consideration of areas that may lack an existing service infrastructure and may require future refuge development. I know this is an issue about which the Deputy is very passionate, as are the other speakers this morning.

The DPSU in Carlow-Kilkenny has been operational since 7 January 2019. There were 411 reported incidents in 2020, compared with 447 incidents reported up to and including 18 October this year. I know Carlow has experienced an increase in reports of domestic abuse. It is something the Government is absolutely committed to acting on.

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