Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his detailed reply. I am glad he mentioned that priority is being attached to the provision of a refuge centre in Cavan-Monaghan. I also welcome the fact he referred to the very important work of Safe Ireland and the Tearmann domestic abuse service in Cavan-Monaghan. They do excellent work dealing with people in a very vulnerable position. Unfortunately, we all know of the increased violence over the last number of years, particularly against women. In our constituency work we all come across families who are going through terrible torment and a very difficult time. The housing sections in the local authorities in Cavan and Monaghan work as closely and as positively as they can with people who find themselves in that predicament. At the moment the only hostel accommodation available for victims from Cavan-Monaghan is in Dundalk or Meath and for north-west Cavan it is in Sligo. If a person or family has to leave their home it is a very difficult situation. It is even more difficult when there are children attending school because they are dislocated from their locality and their friends.

It is very important that we prioritise the provision as soon as possible.

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