Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 552: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if and when provision will be made for a women's refuge for County Kildare; if suitable services will be put in place for an association (details supplied) in County Kildare to access same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26526/05]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, through its role as chair of the national steering committee on violence against women, has overall responsibility for issues relating to violence against women.

In relation to accommodation, capital funding is available through my Department's capital assistance scheme to voluntary housing bodies to provide accommodation to meet special housing needs, including accommodation for victims of domestic violence. My Department recoups to the local authorities 90% of their expenditure on accommodation related costs arising in respect of homeless persons including, where appropriate, victims of domestic violence. Decisions on both capital and current funding for accommodation for victims of domestic violence, including refuges and transitional accommodation, are matters for the local authority in the area where the accommodation is situated. Associated care costs are the responsibility of the Department of Health and Children.

Kildare County Council has been in contact with the service provider in the case in question and is awaiting further information regarding design and costing matters.