Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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Combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and ensuring that victims and survivors receive the support and care they need is an absolute priority for me.

Since its establishment last year, Cuan has been working to accelerate the delivery of safe accommodation across the country.

Following a request from me, Cuan worked with services and partners to assess and review progress and identify a series of actions to accelerate delivery of safe accommodation to meet the needs of those fleeing violence.

On foot of this review, completed in spring 2025, and following agreement with me, the following will be delivered:

• 52 new family refuge units by the end of 2026
• 45 new safe homes by the end of 2026
• 50 new units under construction by the end of 2026

Therefore by the end of 2026 it is envisaged to have 94 safe homes and 193 refuge units completed bringing total safe accommodation to 287, with 50 further refuge units under construction.

On Tuesday, 14 October, I confirmed that a funding application for the development of a refuge in the Cavan and Monaghan region has successfully passed the first stage. The new refuge facility will include 12 independent units of refuge accommodation, along with essential ancillary services, thereby strengthening domestic violence support in the region.

The refuge’s Capital Assistance Scheme Stage 1 application was approved by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Work is ongoing towards submitting a Stage 2 application, which will include further detail and costings on the full extent of works that will be required.

Cuan is also working with both Monaghan and Cavan County Councils to progress the delivery of Safe Homes in each county in 2026.

Cuan has agreed to allocate additional resources to Safe Ireland to support it in expanding its services to provide both emergency refuge and safe home accommodation and there is a strong commitment from all partners to progress both models of accommodation in this region.

While currently almost three quarters of the population in the State is within 30 minutes of safe accommodation, Cuan is acutely aware of the need to improve on this, and to ensure that services are accessible to everyone living in rural and urban areas.

Achieving this, including through the completion of a National Services Development Plan, is a core objective of Cuan’s Corporate Plan 2025-2027, which was published at the end of last year.