Patricia Stephenson (Social Democrats)

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to provide me with an update on the implementation of the zero tolerance strategy for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. I have asked that we have a particular focus in our discussion on housing provision and on the Government's plans to address the acute crisis faced by survivors of domestic violence across the country.

Housing is not a peripheral issue in the context of domestic violence. It is central to safety, recovery and dignity. For too many survivors, housing insecurity is the single greatest barrier to escaping abuse. We cannot continue to expect people, mostly women and children, to choose between homelessness and a violent home. In the 2022-26 strategy, strong commitments were made to build a coherent national infrastructure of support for survivors. However, more than halfway through the strategy's lifetime, implementation is lagging, particularly in the case of housing and refuge provision. While the establishment of Cuan is a very welcome step, it must be matched with action. The strategy’s promise of 400 new refuge spaces by 2026 is crucial but on current progress, we are unlikely to meet that target. We need clear timelines on this. There are about nine counties in Ireland that do not have a women’s refuge.

Are plans in place for all of these remaining counties to have refuges established before the end of the strategy in 2026? Ireland's obligations under the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence are explicit. Article 23 requires that sufficient, safe and accessible refuge spaces be available to meet the needs of victims. Article 20 demands access to housing and financial assistance as part of comprehensive support. Compliance with these obligations is not aspirational; it must be real in every local authority area. How is the Minister of State ensuring that every local authority is meeting these obligations?

Refuge provision is only part of the issue because refuges are designed for the short term only. Women fleeing domestic violence need long-term housing solutions. They need to be a priority group for council housing lists. While the housing crisis is affecting many people in this country, it is having a particularly cruel impact on survivors of domestic violence as they try to rebuild their lives. At the heart of any strategy must be care. I do not mean that in a sentimental or paternalist way; I mean it from a structural perspective. The zero tolerance policy is built on a promise to women that they will be listened to yet too often, we hear survivors speak of no space in refuges, of years on housing lists and of being told to be patient, to wait and to survive just a little bit longer. Safe Ireland has warned that without investment and urgency, the gap between reality and promises will continue to widen. Alcohol Action Ireland has pointed out that there is no mention of alcohol in the strategy even though alcohol is one of the most consistent drivers of domestic abuse. The glaring omission of alcohol in the strategy means that one of the most common drivers of domestic violence is not being taken into account from a prevention and recovery angle. How can this be the case?

As the Minister of State knows, coercive control thrives on women who have been bullied and psychologically abused and whose self-esteem is on the floor. We need wraparound supports. They matter so much because they can empower women to pull themselves out of violent situations.They empower women who have fled the most horrendous abuse, often with their children, so that with the correct support they rebuild themselves and their lives. Women need support to get jobs, have their own independent income and psychological care. What provisions are in place to ensure that every woman who flees a violent situation is able to receive this care? Wrap-around supports for women fleeing domestic violence are not a nice little extra to have; they are fundamental for their care and protection.

Will the Minister consider the creation of a distinct housing allocation category for survivors of domestic violence? The current system often places survivors in the general housing queue and fails to reflect the urgency of the situation they are facing.

Will the Minister ensure that alcohol is acknowledged and included as a driver of domestic violence in the next strategy or amend the current strategy to reflect that reality?

Has mandatory training on gender-sensitive, trauma-informed approaches been rolled out for all gardaí, legal professionals and members of the Judiciary? The risk of re-traumatisation is severe and can affect people's long-term recovery when they are going through the judicial process.