Teresa Costello (Fianna Fail)

The issue I am raising is one of great importance. It relates to the training of elected representatives such that we may be properly able to support victims of domestic violence and abuse. The Government's new housing plan contains strong commitments to victims of domestic abuse. It recognises that when a household is fleeing domestic violence, staying safe often means relocating. The plan ensures that survivors who are forced to relocate will not face barriers in accessing housing supports. Survivors can immediately avail of social housing supports and will not lose time spent on the housing list when moving between local authorities. These are welcome changes which, unfortunately, are necessary. In the second half of 2024, 117 households presented to emergency accommodation due to domestic violence, while this year, 189 households presented.

Policy and procedure alone will not be enough, however. As elected representatives, we witness at first hand the impact domestic abuse has on individuals and families. Ensuring that we are properly equipped to respond to victims is not optional; it is our responsibility. Only with the right knowledge, sensitivity and training can we fulfil the commitments laid out in the Government's plan. During my time as a councillor on South Dublin County Council, I benefited from training delivered by Saoirse Domestic Violence Services. That training helped me and other elected members and staff to better support victims seeking assistance. All elected representatives should be offered and should undertake such training.

The new housing plan rightly contains a commitment to the effect that victims will not face the barrier of having to start over from scratch when relocating to a new local authority area. It also rightly recognises that safety should not mean starting again. I raised this in November 2023 in the form of a motion I tabled at a meeting of South Dublin County Council during my time as a councillor. I am glad to see what was advocated for locally has been taken on board nationally. The supports are in place, but do all elected representatives understand the lived reality of fleeing abuse, of picking up children, of leaving their home under duress? Do we understand how to direct victims to the right supports, ensuring that their housing applications are dealt with sensitively, how to communicate with the local authority and safeguard confidentiality and dignity?

The housing Minister as a crucial role. Will he initiate a nationwide programme of domestic violence awareness and response training for all elected representatives in Ireland? When someone flees an abusive home, they need more than a policy promise. They need an elected representative who knows what to do, how to help and how to ensure the system delivers. Let us ensure that our policy ambition is matched by our practical readiness. I commend the housing Minister on the progress made in the new housing plan. I especially commend him on the focus placed on victims of domestic abuse, showing his understanding of the importance of the changes that are needed. The training of elected representatives must follow swiftly, however, to ensure that we fulfil the commitments laid out in this plan.