Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 560: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the need for a women's refuge in County Laois as these women and their families have to travel to Kilkenny and Carlow taking them away from their doctors and their schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18361/06]

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.

My Department has responsibility for homelessness, and as part of this, provides some funding, for accommodation related costs, to refuges 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. 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.

Decisions on both capital and current funding for accommodation for victims of domestic violence, including refuges and transitional accommodation, are matters in the first instance for the local authority in whose area the accommodation is situated. Associated care costs are the responsibility of the Department of Health and Children. Laois County Council have not submitted proposals to my Department for the provision of a women's refuge in County Laois.