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

I will mention Carlow. We have seen an enormous increase in violence against women, particularly during the pandemic. I am working with a lot of agencies in Carlow for a women's refuge. We are one of nine counties that do not have a refuge. It is important that Carlow gets its refuge as soon as possible. I know a lot of work has been done. I have knocked on the Minister's door several times, and will continue to do so. Two of the issues we need to look at in respect of a women's refuge are wraparound supports and stepdown facilities. If a woman is in a women's refuge, she needs to have a stepdown facility so that she can move out when the time is right. I again ask the Minister for a commitment as soon as possible to get our women's refuge up and running and to provide the services around it.

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