Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies Christopher O'Sullivan and Murnane O'Connor. Regarding west Cork, Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan is correct that this is an area the Government has identified through its work with Tusla as a priority location for a new refuge. I would be very happy to engage with the organisation doing the work on the ground there. If he wishes to bring a delegation to Leinster House, I would be happy to meet them with my colleague the Minister of State, Deputy James Browne, to see how we can support them. It is very much a partnership approach as Deputy Murnane O'Connor will know with Carlow. Carlow is another area that has been identified to get to the 280 spaces. In this partnership approach, we identify a lead organisation on the ground. Certain steps need to be followed. It is not adversarial in any sense. It is about all of us working together and pulling together. We are fortunate to have these excellent organisations working with us.

On the step-down piece, Deputy Murnane O'Connor is entirely correct. We talk about refuge spaces and we need to get to 280 and power on. We also need to do more of the safe homes. We will see an increase of at least 15 safe homes this year because that is also an important part of providing an accommodation solution to somebody at a very difficult and vulnerable time.

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