35. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current number of domestic violence refuge spaces within the State; the number of safe home units; and the number of each he intends to be operational by years end. [49802/26]

This Government has taken unprecedented actions to confront the scourge of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV).

This includes increasing funding to almost €80 million under Budget 2026, to support Cuan and services working to tackle DSGBV and the implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy.

The increased funding for Cuan and community organisations that support victims and survivors will accelerate the delivery of safe accommodation, while also providing stronger supports for victims.

Cuan is collaborating with various stakeholders, including domestic violence services, Approved Housing Bodies, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency and Local Authorities to facilitate local action and support service development and delivery of safe accommodation and ancillary services.

At the onset of the zero-tolerance strategy, there were 49 safe homes and 141 DV refuge units in place. There are currently 181 domestic violence refuge units – which includes nine new units in Dublin south - and 60 safe home units, bringing the total safe accommodation at present to 241.

By the end of this year, it is envisaged to have 193 refuge units completed and 94 safe homes, bringing total safe accommodation to 287, with 50 further refuge units under construction.

This includes 12 units in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown expected to be operational in Q3 2026.

Cuan remains committed to collaborating with key stakeholder to explore additional opportunities for developing DV accommodation, especially in areas where such facilities are currently lacking, while also considering interim refuges and alternative accommodation for those fleeing domestic violence.