Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Domestic violence support services and places of refuge must be easily accessible but no phone lines or offices provide help on weekends or after hours. When a person needs a refuge, there are no wraparound services. I am referring to local authorities and Women's Aid. There need to be emergency numbers, but there are none. There is nowhere to send women fleeing violence after initial support from the refuge. We need to provide proper facilities for women, who need to feel like they are starting again. They do not just need hostel beds, but assistance in finding jobs, affordable childcare and other types of practical help with wraparound services. Are we considering using approved housing bodies, AHBs, to provide housing support where women are in need? Must we consider legislating? There is so much more we can do in this crisis. The Government is committed to this area, but we need to do more.

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