Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Government will establish a statutory agency with a dedicated focus on Domestic Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

The agency, which I expect to be up and running at the start of January next, will have a specific mandate to drive the implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy, bringing the expertise and focus required to tackle this complex social issue.

Its work will include putting in place a National Services Development Plan, with associated standards, informed and influenced by victims’ and survivors’ needs and rights, which is an action under the Zero Tolerance Strategy.

Aligned to this work, the Agency will develop a strategy to fill identified gaps in services and recognise the short, medium and long-term support needs of victims/survivors. This will be co-designed with the sector and with Tusla.

As the Deputy will be aware, a key aim of the Third National Strategy is the doubling of the number of refuge places over its’ lifetime, bringing it to 280.

In order to achieve this ambitious goal, we are working with all stakeholders to put in place the necessary structures and supports to accelerate the delivery of additional refuge accommodation year on year.

Work undertaken to implement the Strategy has already prepared the way for this, including through the development of agreed processes and approaches that will support organisations to deliver the highest standard of refuge accommodation in the most efficient and holistic way.