Brendan Ryan (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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594. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she, through Tusla, will provide for a domestic violence refuge in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown area in view of the fact that no such support exists at present for women in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42294/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of domestic, sexual and gender based violence whether in the context of the family or otherwise. At all times, Tusla’s key priority is to ensure that the needs of victims of domestic violence are being met in the best way possible.

The provision of capital funding for refuges is dealt with by the Housing Authorities and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

In 2018, Tusla allocated funding of €23.8 million to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services, which represents an increase of €1.7 million over 2017 funding. Tusla's priority is to achieve the best outcomes for victims of domestic violence from the use of its available resources.

Tusla recognises that the provision of emergency refuge accommodation for victims of domestic violence is a core element of the response to domestic violence. While there is no domestic violence refuge located in the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown area, there are currently four units of emergency Safe Home accommodation provided in the area, which are supported by Tusla. Safe Homes provide services to those affected by domestic violence that may require lower levels of support. Safe Home accommodation comprises independent housing units with additional safety measures, where victims and families receive intensive support to achieve long term safety and well-being.

Victims of domestic violence and their children can also access emergency refuge accommodation in refuges across Dublin or in adjacent areas.