Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I fully support the work the Minister is doing on this Bill. It is immensely important. I want to highlight my own area. I am very conscious of the fact that a large amount of the work the Minister has been doing over the last number of years is around providing, developing and investing in women's refuges and safe homes for women and families who find themselves in a position where they need a safe haven and an environment in which they can be protected. What is also really important is that wraparound services are fully provided to compliment and encompass the safe environment that we are trying to create for women and families right across the country.

I am very mindful of the fact that a number of constituencies do not yet have these facilities but I am heartened and inspired by the work the Minister is doing in terms of supporting Tusla. One of the complaints over the years has been that when women and families find themselves in those awful situations, they often have to go from one Department to another to find the support that they need and to get the lift and the protection they need. I am really heartened to see that finally we are moving to a stage where this agency will be able to provide all of that. People will not have to go to the Departments of Social Protection and Housing, Heritage and Local Government or find social workers and so on. We will have a one-stop-shop that will provide the services and give women the confidence they need. The work that the Minister is doing here is sending a very clear message to women and children across the country who may be fearful of leaving a difficult situation, who may not have the wherewithal or the financial means to do so or who may not have the support they need within their immediate family to leave.

I will conclude by urging the Minister to continue with this work because it is hugely important.

As I stated previously to her, Cavan-Monaghan is one of the areas that does not have a visible women's refuge. Unfortunately, women in need of such a refuge are sent to other counties and other emergency accommodation. I compliment the Minister on this piece of work.

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