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

I am informed by Tusla that a number of interagency meetings have been held since 2022 to explore how to progress the development of a refuge in Cavan-Monaghan. Some steps have been taken through engagement with two county councils to identify a suitable site. A site at Cootehill in the ownership of Cavan County Council has initially been proposed for consideration. The Tearmann Domestic Abuse Service, which is based in Monaghan and provides services in both counties, recently merged with Safe Ireland. This allows Safe Ireland to be the lead organisation taking forward the development of the refuge in Cavan-Monaghan through engagement with local stakeholders. Tusla acknowledges the initial need to dramatically increase the provision of refuge and that the key to this will be ensuring organisations are resourced and supported throughout the stages of managing refuge development projects. In the meantime, the closest refuge supports for women and children can be accessed in the neighbouring counties of Meath and Louth. I take on board what the Senator said about our taking people out of their communities where children perhaps want to continue going to education and stay knitted into their communities. It is a priority for the Department.