Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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124. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress his Department is making in establishing a domestic violence register, under ‘Jennie’s Law’; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68146/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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Combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a core priority for me and for Government. The Zero Tolerance Strategy sets out our determination to ensure that those affected by these crimes receive strong protection, clear pathways to justice and the supports they need.

Strengthening the legislative framework is an essential part of delivering on these commitments. In October, I secured Government approval to progress the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences, Domestic Violence and International Instruments) Bill 2025 which includes measures to allow perpetrators of domestic violence be included on a new register of domestic violence judgments, administered by the courts. This new law, Jennie's Law, named after Jennifer Poole, will allow those convicted of domestic violence against a partner or former partner, to be included on this public Register of Judgments.

The General Scheme is being referred to the Justice Committee for pre-legislative scrutiny and, when its report is received, work on finalising the Bill will be prioritised.

Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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125. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on plans to open a dedicated refuge centre for women and children who are victims of domestic violence in north County Dublin, given the current lack of such facilities in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68349/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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Combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) and ensuring that victims and survivors have access to the support and services they need remain absolute priorities. One of the overarching goals of this Government's 'Zero Tolerance' Strategy to address DSGBV is ensuring that everyone who needs safe accommodation can access it.

Cuan, the DSGBV agency, is responsible for coordinating all actions set out in the Zero Tolerance strategy. It works in partnership with the local front-line service providers, local authorities, the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage and the Housing Agency and has streamlined processes in order to accelerate the delivery of domestic violence refuges.

There is a range of DSGBV services and emergency accommodation across Dublin city and county that serve all residents regardless of where they live. The national awareness campaign 'Always Here' provides a searchable directory of support services in Dublin, including refuges, one-to-one support, outreach, helplines and more: www.alwayshere.ie/support-services-dublin/.

For example, Aoibhneas are based in north Dublin, but their services are available to anyone. Aoibhneas provides 24-hour emergency accommodation through its refuge, which currently has 10 self-contained studio units. Aoibhneas is currently developing a new 13-unit domestic violence refuge in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin. A stakeholder group has been established to support this refuge development. Cuan continues to engage with key stakeholders including Aoibhneas, the Dept of Housing, the Housing Agency and Fingal County Council, on the development of a refuge in this area.

The Deputy may wish to note that in October, a new nine-unit refuge was opened in Dublin 4 by Sonas Domestic Violence Charity, with funding from Cuan, to provide accommodation for up to 36 families per year and up to 62 people at one time. Additionally, Sonas is preparing to launch a 9-unit refuge in Dublin 22 before the end of the year, also supported by Cuan funding. This will accommodate a similar number of families as the refuge in Dublin 4.

This Government remains committed to safe accommodation capacity nationwide and Cuan is continuing to monitor activity across all DSGBV funded services, in order to identify areas where increases in service provision are most needed.