Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising this really important issue. I will start by acknowledging the bravery of so many victims of domestic and gender-based violence in speaking out. These voices are a stark reminder that although improvements have been made, we need to keep the momentum going to achieve our objective of zero tolerance of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. This topic was discussed at the North-South Ministerial Council and is obviously an issue reflected throughout our island. There have been significant increases in funding, which has tripled since 2020. With the establishment of Cuan, we want to continue to build momentum. There will be an additional 80 refuge spaces by 2026. We are happy to work with the Deputy in driving that in the coming period.

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