James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again thank Deputy O'Reilly bringing up this very important matter. As the Deputy rightly pointed out, the need has been identified, as has the prioritisation. We now need to get to the implementation and delivery side of this. I will certainly raise the Deputy’s concerns with the Minister, Deputy McEntee, when I am talking to her about this situation.

In my own county of Wexford, a tender has now been agreed for 12 spaces for the Wexford Women's Refuge. The sense of confidence that has given to the voluntary group down there has been phenomenal. It has been welcomed by the Wexford Rape Crisis centre as well. Both of those organisations provide phenomenal support. I know not every constituency in every country has been lucky enough to have that support in place. It can be very challenging for voluntary groups and organisations to be able to get up and going with that type of service despite the real need and the will and determination. As I said, I have certainly heard the Deputy's concerns around delivering these refuge spaces for Balbriggan. They are absolutely needed. I will raise those concerns with the Minister, Deputy McEntee, about how to get those spaces delivered as quickly as possible. The real win here will be when these can be delivered and provided on the ground in those areas.

It is traumatic enough when people, in most cases women, have to flee domestic violence, but if they then have to leave their area, perhaps to one they do not know and are not familiar with, it will only add to that level of trauma. I will convey the Deputy's concerns to the Minister.

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