West Cork protective services unit
Deputy Murphy O'Mahony pressed for a date for the protective services unit in west Cork, saying domestic abuse victims needed the service. The Justice Minister said he could not give a date but had noted the point and would communicate with her later that day.
Under the programme for Government, there is a commitment to enhance the services of the Department of Justice and Equality. I am still waiting for a date for the establishment of the protective services unit for west Cork. This will be an essential service for the victims of domestic abuse in west Cork. As such, I ask the Minister for Justice and Equality, as I asked him a few weeks ago, for a date. I hope he has one for me today. It was promised at the end of last year but is yet again a broken promise, which is not good enough.
Comment on this
I accept that this is an important issue in the context of domestic violence legislation and the Government's policy of zero tolerance. I do not have a date for the opening of the centre in the Deputy's constituency but I have taken careful note of the point she has made and am happy to communicate with her before nightfall.