County Roscommon is one of a number of counties with no domestic violence refuge. I met with Roscommon Safe Link over the summer. I must commend them on the great work that they do.

For a number of years, they have been struggling to find a location for a refuge, which they are anxious to establish for the county. They are struggling to find one that meets the standards that are being applied by the Housing Agency. They are finding them too restrictive. What they have asked is that there would be a more realistic and flexible approach to site assessment, without which we are not going to have a refuge in County Roscommon. Will the Minister please look at the standards that are being applied and see can there be some level of flexibility in cases where a site has not been found despite the best efforts of those involved?

I thank Deputy Kerrane. Part of my function, in ensuring that we have adequate protection for women who are subject to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, is to ensure that there are adequate safe homes and refuges through the country. The Deputy will be aware of the progress of that by the Government. I will have a look in respect of Roscommon.

I have to be careful. I do not want it to appear that there is an absolute necessity for a refuge in every county. It may be the case that there will be a refuge in every county, but it is important that we look to see where the services are needed and ensure that they are provided adequately close to the people. I am conscious that the women of Roscommon will want to see one close enough to their county, if not in it.