Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2025
613. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current situation around infrastructure to combat domestic violence in the State, including by providing the current number of emergency refuge spaces for victims of domestic violence; the shortfall between this level and the level that would allow Ireland to meet its obligations under the Istanbul Convention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37156/25]
View answerTackling Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a central priority for me as Minister for Justice.
The Zero Tolerance Strategy to address DSGBV is ambitious and is structured around the four pillars of the Istanbul Convention – Protection, Prevention, Prosecution and Policy Co-ordination.
One of the overarching goals of this Strategy is ensuring that everyone who needs a safe space can access one.
Cuan, the DSGBV agency, has been operational since January 2024, and is responsible for coordinating all Government actions set out in the Zero Tolerance strategy.
It works in partnership with the local front-line service providers, local authorities, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Housing Agency and has streamlined processes in order to accelerate the delivery of domestic violence refuges.
I would like to assure the Deputy that we continue to review and drive progress on the development of refuge accommodation.
As the Deputy's question relates to infrastructure to combat domestic violence and the current number of emergency safe spaces, as well as additional data under the remit of Cuan, I have referred it to the agency for direct response.
