Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I agree with much of the sentiment of the Minister's remarks, particularly around housing. Housing is the reason so many people stay in toxic relationships and keep living with domestic violence. Finding housing is difficult, particularly now. Where can people go? Even if they find somewhere to rent, which is nearly impossible, there can be other difficulties. For example, someone's name could be on a property, which is a complex issue. Getting accommodation depends on who they meet on the day and whether they are open to hearing the people's cases. It is good that this responsibility will rest with the Department of Justice - that is the correct Department for it - and that there will only be one agency.

I will briefly mention a fund provided by Safe Ireland that I only became aware of last year. It allows women to access many services, for example, if they need a fill of oil after finally finding somewhere to live. It is a community welfare-type payment. There is great demand for it and it has been successful. The Minister may not have an answer for me now, but could administering a similar fund be considered?

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