Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. Yesterday, an extra €46,000 of taxpayers' money was allocated for the centre in Portlaoise. That is welcome because the services there are stretched. I agree that prevention is key. We need to reduce the amount of domestic violence and change attitudes and culture in society. However, we also have to live in the here and now. I welcome that the Tusla review recommends eight family places for Portlaoise. That is suggested for prioritisation and as a starting point. That is good news and I welcome that confirmation.

Ten locations nationwide have been identified for 82 family refuge spaces. That is a positive step, as is the fact that one Department will be in charge of this. It was a concern of mine up to now that it would move between Departments and different State agencies. The important thing now is that we move on with this without delay. Delivery takes a long time in this country but when the State wants to do something and push things on, whether schools or whatever else, they can be progressed very quickly in certain cases. I ask that this be given high priority by the Government. The Minister of State said the Minister has made it a priority and I welcome that. It is very positive. The Opposition will certainly welcome it as well because there is consensus on this matter and it needs to be addressed.

There are three safe houses in Offaly. That is a different model. It is the county next door but it would work to have one house in Birr, one in Tullamore and one in Edenderry and then the domestic violence refuge service in Laois catering for that huge midlands area. Can the Minister of State give a guarantee that his Department will examine that and help in any way it can?

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