Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Harkin for raising this issue. She will be aware that we have established a new agency, Cuan, which will work with all stakeholders to put the structures and supports in place to accelerate the delivery of additional refuge accommodation year on year. She will also be aware that active planning and engagement is under way for the delivery of 150 additional family refuge units. We will deliver eight new family refuge units, 25 additional family refuge units are under construction, and we will increase the number of safe homes by a further 35%. The following 12 locations have been identified for the prioritisation of delivery of 98 family refuge spaces. Sligo is at the top of the list for eight family places. The other locations are Cavan-Monaghan, Cork city, north Cork, west Cork, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Westmeath, Portlaoise, Balbriggan, Longford, Carlow and Offaly. That work is under way and every effort will be made to accelerate it.

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