James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for their contributions. What the Government is doing, led by the Minister, Deputy McEntee, will deliver. It has put in place the correct structures to deliver additional refuge accommodation, including the development of the new statutory agency. We will accelerate the number of additional spaces that can be delivered each year. Already, work is being undertaken to implement the strategy and preparations for it have been made, including a significant increase in funding under budget 2023.

The State has not done enough to date in terms of providing refuges, but what the Minister, Deputy McEntee, and the Department of Justice have put in place using a whole-of-government approach is a strategy that will deliver spaces. The strategy is backed by an implementation plan that is measurable and will be measured as we go along.

I visited the Aoibhneas refuge in Coolock last week. I heard harrowing stories and about the number of people it had to turn away. I was with the Ministers, Deputies McEntee and Darragh O'Brien, at the sod turning on the new property in Wexford. A great deal remains to be done but I believe the Minister's implementation plan will be effective.

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