Seanad debates

Tuesday, 28 November 2017

2:30 pm

Photo of Lynn RuaneLynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I join everyone in commending Senator Denis Landy on his work to date at local government level and in the Seanad. I wish him and his family well in the future.

I wish to raise an issue I became aware of last night concerning a women's refuge. I was going to raise it today when debating the Domestic Violence Bill but I feel this is not appropriate because we will be discussing amendments. The issue probably does not fit in with that debate. The matter is related, however. A women's refuge in Tallaght was approximately seven months into the process of purchasing a house in Rathcoole. South Dublin County Council had pledged €500,000 for the purchase of the house. Seven months into the sale process, it withdrew the €500,000 because of some sort of refurbishment fee that would be needed. The council directed the refuge to the capital assistance scheme. Perhaps the Leader can advise me what Department this falls under. It could be the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

At a time when we are discussing legislation on domestic violence, we now have only ten refuge beds available for women. The facility in Rathmines has been closed for the past two months. In the next few weeks, Saoirse refuge will possibly lose the house in question. It would have afforded 17 women refuge over the coming months. I would like the Leader to examine whether there is a way of prioritising an application under the capital assistance scheme or of approaching the local authority to ask it why it has withdrawn the €500,000. This is to ensure the refuge will not lose the important house in Rathcoole. Having services and resources on the ground is very important if we are to introduce legislation and implement change.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.