Domestic violence refuge shortages
Richard Boyd Barrett highlighted Ireland’s shortage of refuge places, including none in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and too few in Carlow. The Taoiseach said an audit had been completed, additional provision would be made, and the issue was being led by the Department of Justice.
I thank the Ceann Comhairle for his patience and tolerance. In fairness, he did the wildflowers in Leinster House, which is part of this.
Comment on this
On Deputy Boyd Barrett's question, in fairness, the issue in terms of Carlow has been raised consistently by Deputy Murnane O'Connor. Three core Departments, namely, the Departments of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Justice, and Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, are involved. The audit has been completed. Resourcing will be provided to cover those areas where there is no provision or too little provision in respect of refuges for victims of domestic violence. It is a key issue that is being led on by the Department of Justice. It is ongoing and the Department is working on a new strategy.