James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again thank Deputy Stanley for raising this very important matter around the need for domestic violence refuge accommodation. The Minister fully acknowledges the need to dramatically increase the provision of domestic violence accommodation and refuge spaces right across the country. While I agree that prevention is key, I also acknowledge the Deputy's point that priority must be given to the here and now, to people who need those safe spaces. That is why the Minister has identified ten priority areas to provide refuges right across the country and Portlaoise is one of those ten. There will now be engagement, not only at ministerial level but at a local level as well, to identify how that can be delivered on the ground and as quickly as possible, falling within the established guidelines of the interdepartmental working group. Tusla will continue to engage with stakeholders on all aspects of service development as part of its current remit to support the provision of services to victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

On the situation in Offaly, I do not have the information to hand but I will bring those three safe houses to the Minister's attention and get a response for the Deputy on that matter.

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