Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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547. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of domestic abuse refuge beds, by county, in each of the years 2019 to 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; his targets for delivering additional spaces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6015/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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Tackling the scourge of domestic violence is one of my central priorities as Minister for Justice.

One of the overarching goals of the Zero Tolerance Strategy to address domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV), is ensuring that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one. The Strategy, published in June 2022, includes a commitment to doubling the number of refuge spaces by the end of 2026.

To accelerate the delivery of additional refuge accommodation year on year, Cuan, the Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Agency, was established in 2024.

There were 147 refuge units at the end of 2023, with 12 new units delivered in 2024, including the state-of-the-art refuge in Wexford. Another 54 units are set to be under construction or due for refurbishment this year, of which 22 are expected to be delivered in Dublin and Louth.

Cuan is now responsible for coordinating all Government actions set out in the Strategy and is working in partnership with the local front-line services providers, local authorities, the Department of Housing and the Housing Agency and has streamlined processes in order to accelerate the delivery of domestic violence refuges.

As the Deputy's question relates to work being carried out by Cuan and data held by Cuan, I have referred it to the agency for direct response in relation to the detailed information sought on refuge spaces.