Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is entirely right. We have a commitment to double the number of refuge spaces under the third national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. For the avoidance of doubt, this is to double the number of refuge spaces, bringing it to 280.

As the Deputy will be aware, Tusla reviewed the accommodation services for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and as part of that endeavour, it identified priority locations where between 50 and 60 new refuge places are needed. Further analysis undertaken has identified 12 locations nationwide where the delivery of 98 family refuge spaces would have the most impact if prioritised. In the initial phase of this work, 24 places are now expected to be delivered in Wexford, Dundalk and Navan next year.

In addition, by putting in place robust structures to support the delivery of additional refuge accommodation, including, importantly, the establishment of a new statutory agency on DSGBV, the number of additional spaces that can be opened each year will be supported and accelerated. Already, work undertaken implementing the strategy has prepared the way for this, including, as the Deputy will be aware, a significant increase in funding under the budget.

An interdepartmental group is already developing and progressing agreed processes and approaches to support the highest standard of refuge accommodation. In addition to the 280 places, the delivery of additional safe homes is already a key part of the response and it is expected that the number of safe homes will be increased by 15 this year. Today, pre-legislative scrutiny of the agency took place and went quite well. The factual answer to the Deputy's question, though, is that 24 additional places are expected to be delivered next year in Wexford, Dundalk and Navan. Nationwide, 12 locations have now been identified for the delivery of the 98 family refuge spaces and the review carried out by Tusla regarding the 50 and 60 others. I have more detailed information in the form of a table that I am happy to share with the Deputy. It lists the stage at which each location is now at and the expected delivery time. I had quite a detailed meeting on this subject this week and it is my genuine view that we now have a very clear understanding of the road that needs to be travelled to get us to at least a doubling of spaces. The Deputy is correct that this is not about getting to that point and stopping; it is about getting there and then pushing on further.

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