Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

155. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to clarify if there are any state funded accommodation based domestic violence refuges for biological males in the state; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6720/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Tackling the scourge of domestic violence is a central priority for me 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.

I understand that there are no dedicated domestic violence refuges solely for men. However, the Men’s Development Network have partnered with Sonas Refuge, Dublin which provides safe accommodation to both male and female victims and survivors of Domestic Violence operating 24hrs per day. Both organisations receive funding from Cuan.

Part of the agency's remit is the delivery of a National DSGBV Services Development Plan, a key deliverable in the Zero Tolerance Third National Strategy. I understand that Cuan are in the process of identifying the level of service provision required which will aid in informing this plan.