Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. Tá mé thar a bheith buíoch di as teacht isteach anocht agus an rún seo a thógáil. I have raised this issue with the Minister previously. I attend the joint policing committee meetings for both Galway county and city. It has been alarming to note over recent years and in particular over the past year and a half, that the statistics given at both city and county committee meetings show there has been an increase in domestic violence in both areas. This is a serious concern. At the meeting of the County Galway joint policing committee we decided to task a sub-committee with an examination of all aspects of domestic violence. Some of the reasons are due to the downturn in the economy. The Garda Síochána believes that men at home with very little to do can find domestic situations becoming more difficult. There has been a noticeable increase in drinking in houses.

The issue of domestic violence is related to the matter I have raised this evening. I refer to the support services for people who find themselves subject to domestic violence. These services are creaking at the seams. Refuges are full and women with children find it difficult to cope with living in these crowded conditions. The policy in refuges is that nobody should be turned away.

The Child and Family Agency is carrying out a reconfiguration of services and resources. I ask the Minister to provide information on the funding given to the organisations dealing with domestic violence issues.