51. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his response to the findings contained in a report by an organisation (details supplied); the additional measures his Department intends to take to strengthen supports for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence; whether additional funding will be provided to the organisation and frontline services in light of the level of demand identified in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49343/26]

59. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he accepts that the latest report by an organisation (details supplied) which recorded the highest demand in the organisation’s history, shows that the State is still failing to meet the scale of domestic violence in Ireland; and the urgent additional justice measures he will take to address this crisis. [49881/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 59 together.

It was an honour to launch the Women’s Aid Impact Report 2025 last week.

The figures and statistics in the report are extremely stark, and I’m very aware that behind these numbers are real women and children who have suffered, often due to the actions of someone close to them.

While the figures are concerning, the increase in contact also reflects a growing awareness of the service provided, so that increasing numbers of victims know they do not have to face these experiences alone. The Report highlights the complexities of each disclosure, often involving repeated contact over time, and the accelerated demand for specialist services.

I want to take this opportunity to recognise and commend the vital ongoing support provided by Women’s Aid to victims of domestic violence and abuse, as reflected in this important report.

Combatting domestic violence is a priority for Government and our ‘Zero Tolerance’ DSGBV Strategy is the most ambitious strategy to date. It sets out a range of actions aimed at preventing domestic violence and abuse, improving protection for victims, and ensuring more effective access to justice.

A key development in this regard has been the establishment of Cuan, the statutory agency responsible for coordinating and driving the implementation of the Zero Tolerance strategy. Under Budget 2026, funding of almost €80 million has been provided to support Cuan, frontline organisations working in the DSGBV sector and implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy.

We continue to support Women’s Aid essential work through more than €2.2 million in funding (through Cuan) this year.

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 the delivery of safe accommodation and ancillary services.

At the commencement 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 expected that we will have 193 refuge units completed and 94 safe homes, bringing total safe accommodation to 287, with 50 further refuge units under construction.

I have advanced a number of legislative changes in the area of domestic violence.

The Domestic Violence (Judgments) Register Bill 2026 will set up a Register of Judgments, ensuring that relevant convictions for serious domestic violence offences are made public as part of the conviction process.

The Guardianship of Infants and Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2026 provides for the removal of guardianship rights, in certain situations, from individuals convicted of killing their partner or the other parents of their child.

My Department is actively considering further measures to better support and protect victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. This process is informed by engagement with stakeholders, including Departments, agencies and civil society organisations.

As the current Zero Tolerance Strategy approaches its conclusion, work is now underway on a fourth national strategy which will build on what we have learned and will address new and emerging threats such as technology-facilitated harms against women and children.