Written answers

Thursday, 31 March 2022

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Domestic Violence

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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335. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress to date in establishing refuge accommodation in counties Cavan and Monaghan for victims of domestic abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17350/22]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-Agency issue coordinated by the Department of Justice. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, provides supports for victims of domestic violence primarily through funded NGO service providers.

I am informed by Tusla that support for victims of DSGBV in Counties Cavan and Monaghan is available through the services of Tearmann, which is based in Monaghan and funded by Tusla. Tearmann also provides outreach services in both counties. Tusla funding to Tearmann in 2021 was just over €214,000.

Tusla has also indicated that they have engaged with stakeholders in the Cavan/Monaghan area about taking forward provision of safe accommodation and explored options for emergency provision during the COVID-19 period.

Tusla published its ‘Review of the Provision of Accommodation for Victims of Domestic Violence’. The Review assesses distribution of safe emergency accommodation and examined the level of refuge provision, evidence of demand for services and unmet need, and analysis of proximity to refuge by local communities.

An Inter-Departmental Group, led by a senior official in the Department of Justice, has been established to examine the physical delivery of refuge accommodation, identify obstructions to delivery, address the perception of significant delays in provision and identify how they can be shortened.

Priority areas have been identified where there is greatest urgency in achieving safe accommodation for victims of DSGBV. There will be engagement with local authorities, Government departments and State agencies to source refuge provision, including Cavan and Monaghan. Work continues with partners to improve access to services and supports for victims.

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