Domestic violence refuge spaces
Deputy Ó Broin asked when Tusla’s business plan would be published, what funding would support domestic violence services, and how many new refuge spaces would be provided. The Minister said the plan would be published shortly and that additional funding had been provided, including for that measure.
On page 26 of A Programme for a Partnership Government, there is a commitment to target new measures for survivors of domestic violence. The Government's Action Plan for Housing states that Tusla "will provide additional emergency refuge spaces so that victims forced to flee the family home often late at night or in the early hours of the morning do not find themselves homeless". Can the Minister tell me when Tusla's 2017 business plan will be published? What level of additional funding will be provided for domestic violence accommodation services and how many new emergency refuge spaces will be provided for those experiencing domestic violence?
Comment on this
I have been engaged for the last month or so with Tusla on its business plan. I expect that it will be published shortly. There were additional funds that were provided to Tusla, particularly for the issues that the Deputy raised. The Deputy raised that last particular question with me before and I will be in contact with Tusla to ensure that part of that budget is devoted to that measure.