Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

One of the overarching goals of the zero tolerance strategy to address domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is ensuring that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one. I am committed to working with my Government colleagues and those in the sector to achieve this. In line with the priority this Government is attaching to tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, we have committed to doubling the number of refuge spaces over the lifetime of the strategy, bringing it to 280 by the end of 2026. The Tusla review of accommodation services for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence identified priority locations where between 50 and 60 new refuge places are needed.Further analysis undertaken identified 12 locations nationwide where the delivery of 78 family refuge spaces would have the most impact if prioritised. The initial areas identified in the Tusla review include Cavan-Monaghan, where eight family places are suggested as a starting point for prioritisation. An interagency group has been established to further this development and several meetings have taken place. It is difficult to place an exact timeline for the development of a refuge in the Cavan-Monaghan area at this stage as many factors can influence the speed at which a project is delivered, such as the identification of a suitable site or building, planning processes, tendering processes, the appointment of contractors and so on, as the Senator has laid out. However, Cavan-Monaghan is a priority area and every effort will be made to ensure the development of a refuge happens as speedily as possible.

Currently, the number of specialist domestic violence accommodation units or family spaces in the country is 199, including 150 refuge units and 49 safe home units. Each family place or unit can accommodate one woman and her children or other dependants. An additional 17 safe homes have come into operation since quarter 3 of 2022. We expect to have delivered up to 36 refuge units in Wexford, Dundalk and Navan by the end of 2024. In addition, by putting in place the correct structures to deliver additional refuge accommodation, including the development of a new statutory agency, we will accelerate the number of additional spaces that can be opened each year. Earlier this month, for example, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, unveiled an architectural blueprint on how to design safe spaces for survivors of domestic violence, which was developed as part of work on the zero tolerance strategy. The guidance on a design approach for future refuge development was shared with domestic violence organisations currently developing accommodation.

This work underpins our shared commitment to establishing a comprehensive and accessible network of refuges and to providing safety, support and healing for those affected by domestic abuse. Just last week the Minister brought the legislation to establish the new domestic, sexual and gender-based violence agency through the Houses and confirmed the work to ensure the agency will be up and running early in the new year remains on track. Once established, the agency will continue to assist with advancing the development of refuge places in all priority locations, including Cavan-Monaghan.