Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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One of the key actions of the Third National Strategy is doubling the number of refuge spaces available during the lifetime of the Strategy to 280 refuge spaces.

As the Deputy is aware, prior to the establishment of Cuan on 1 January 2024, a Steering Committee for Inter-Departmental Group proposals was set up to manage and oversee progress on the delivery of additional refuge units.

This Committee was chaired by the Department of Justice, with representation from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Tusla and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Inclusion and Youth.

This Committee has worked with domestic violence support groups in the priority locations to support their advancement of new refuge developments with funding support from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

This Committee is now chaired by Cuan. Through this Committee, Cuan and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will continue to assist the development of local structures operating in the priority areas identified in the Third National Strategy and will support their advancement of the new refuges, with capital funding support continuing via the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Cuan also has a dedicated team in place to support the development of domestic violence refuges. This team has been engaging with the local service provider in the areas mentioned and has supported the relevant organisations in terms of capacity and governance.

As has been noted previously, Cuan has very active engagement with Carlow County Council, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Housing Agency.

The Agency has identified a domestic violence service provider to progress plans for the development of a refuge in County Carlow. A refuge containing 8 family units of accommodation is planned for the county. Additional supports have been allocated to the service provider to further build their capacity to undertake the operation of a refuge facility, inclusive of ancillary services.

As accommodation for victims of DSGBV falls under the remit of Cuan, I am referring this question to them for direct answer.