Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan and Monaghan, Brendan Smith has reiterated his call for the urgent establishment of a refuge centre for victims of domestic abuse in counties Cavan and Monaghan.

Deputy Brendan Smith has sought confirmation on this serious issue numerous times and has regularly engaged with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth on it.

The Cavan and Monaghan TD commented, “At present, there still remains no dedicated Refuge Centre in Cavan or Monaghan. I have urged Tusla along with the Department to ensure the provision of such a Centre with additional supports and services at local level as soon as possible. This is an urgent and pressing issue which can no longer face any further delay. Unfortunately, as in other parts of the country, there are too many people in need of this vital service in our region.

“At present, supports for victims of domestic abuse in counties Cavan and Monaghan are available through the services of Tearmann which is based in Monaghan and also provides outreach services in both counties.”

According to the Minister, Tusla’s ‘Review of the Provision of Accommodation for Victims of Domestic Violence’ has been completed and is undergoing final edits before publication. The Minister for Children received a presentation of the Review from Tusla in late July in relation to the approach taken in its review, its analysis and conclusion. 

On 23rd September, Tusla gave a presentation to all stakeholders attending the Monitoring Committee for the 2nd National Strategy on DSGBV, with a view to achieving a national consensus within the sector on the proposed response to these needs.

The Minister added that it is anticipated that the publication of the review will arrive in the coming weeks.

The National Development Plan published this week confirms this Government’s commitment to address the need for greater domestic violence refuge accommodation to meet the needs of victims throughout the country.

ENDS 11 October 2021