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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Dolphin House family courts

Summary

Deputy O'Loughlin highlighted domestic abuse supports and the poor state of Dolphin House, asking when a new family law court would be provided. The Minister for Justice said he supported progress, cited €80 million in funding, and promised to act early in the new year.

Pat the Cope Gallagher An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

Deputy Danny Healy-Rae should let us look after Donegal.

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Today is Human Rights Day. As such, it is the 16th and final day of the 16 days of activism campaign to support survivors of domestic abuse. The campaign in Ireland is led by Women's Aid. The statistics released this morning are quite shocking. More than 53,000 women have looked for aid and support; 3,256 were turned away from accommodation because there was none available to support them in leaving violent homes; and 2,572 children were impacted.

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Pat the Cope Gallagher An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

A question, please.

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Has the Taoiseach ever been in Dolphin House, the family law court?

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I am asking the Taoiseach. Eleven organisations came together this morning regarding the absolutely awful situation in Dolphin House. I was there about three and a half years ago, not long after I was elected to the Dáil.

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Pat the Cope Gallagher An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

I call the Taoiseach to respond. We are out of time.

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It is an absolutely appalling place where people need to go to look for supports.

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Pat the Cope Gallagher An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

I call the Taoiseach to respond.

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The Minister promised four years ago that there would be a new family law court. Has the Taoiseach ever been to Dolphin House? When will there be a new family law court?

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I strongly support the import of the Deputy's question. I have met many of the groups to which she referred. I, too, am very keen that progress on the new family courts structure be reported early. The Government has made available a sum of €80 million. I urge the Office of Public Works and the Courts Service to reach agreement early. Yes, I have been in Dolphin House on a number of occasions in the past.

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I asked the Taoiseach.

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I share the Deputy's concern. I will act early in the new year to resolve this issue.

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