Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has been informed by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, that they are undertaking a review of emergency accommodation provision of services for victims of domestic violence.
“I had raised again with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs through Parliamentary Questions in Dáil Éireann and also with the Minister for Justice the need to establish a refuge for victims of domestic abuse in Cavan and Monaghan. Tusla in their reply to me state that they are undertaking a review of emergency accommodation provision nationally and they have had consultations with stakeholders across the country including in the Cavan/Monaghan region to explore potential options on taking forward the provision of emergency accommodation in this area. Tusla further state that there have been some delays due to covid-19 but they will be completing this review in 2020 which will provide a roadmap for future refuge developments.
Tusla state that their key priority is to ensure that the needs of victims and survivors of domestic, sexual and gender based violence are met in the best way possible with due attention to the quality, accessibility and outcome of services.
It is not acceptable that victims of domestic abuse in Cavan and Monaghan have to travel to Meath, Louth or Sligo for refuge accommodation.
The increase in domestic violence over recent months is a further worrying development and clearly shows the urgent need to provide adequate supports in a timely manner for victims. We also need to see much needed progress in providing refuge accommodation in areas such as Cavan and Monaghan”, stated Brendan Smith TD.
Reply to Parliamentary Question and also reply from Tusla attached
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For Written Answer on : 03/06/2020
Question Number(s): 1022 Question Reference(s): 9127/20
Department: Children and Youth Affairs
Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.
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QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to establish a refuge for victims of domestic abuse in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
Tusla currently provides support, coordination and funding to almost 60 organisations around the country that deliver front line services to victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV). Tusla continues to provide funding to DSGBV service providers during the current pandemic, in line with agreed service arrangements.
With regard to the future provision of additional refuge spaces, it should be noted that the responsibility for capital investment in new refuges falls under the remit of a number of Government bodies. Tusla has been in contact with funded organisations in relation to a Strategic Review of Domestic Violence Accommodation to inform Tusla’s future commissioning of domestic violence emergency accommodation services, and to ensure that the evolving needs of service users are met. Tusla will carry out further engagements as the year progresses with a view to finalising the review. Future developments will be informed by the findings of the review and the recommendations of the Monitoring Committee of the National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence.
I have requested Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy with regard to the provision of a refuge in counties Cavan and Monaghan.