Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 March 2026
215. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will consider Kildare as a priority one area for refuge development as a matter of urgency given the immediate need for additional domestic violence refuges within the growing population of the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23060/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra216. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide funding for a development worker for Kildare to assist with domestic violence prevention, education and reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23061/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 216 together.
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.
I am informed by Cuan that in 2025 the number of domestic violence refuge units increased by 13, four in Louth and nine in Dublin, bringing the total number to 172. Additionally, another nine units have been developed in Dublin 22 and will be operational in a matter of weeks. A 12-unit refuge located in Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown Council area is scheduled to be completed and become operational later this year. This will bring the total number of refuge spaces to 193. Furthermore, Cuan is working towards having a minimum of 50 new refuge units under construction across multiple sites nationally this year.
Last year, the number of Safe Homes increased by 8, which increased total Safe Home capacity to 60. Cuan is working to increase that capacity to 94 this year. This means by the end of 2026, the number of safe accommodation spaces, which include refuges and safe homes, will be increased to 287.
Teach Tearmainn currently leads the provision of refuge and Safe Home accommodation, as well as children’s supports, outreach, and court accompaniment in Kildare. It currently operates four refuge units and there are also two safe home accommodation units in the county.
While Kildare has not been identified as a priority location for new refuge construction in the current phase, I am advised that Cuan is considering it as a location for future refuge development programmes and is supportive of ensuring Kildare is on the priority list for phase 2 development.
Regarding the Deputy's query around the provision of funding for a development worker for Kildare to assist with domestic violence prevention, as this matter falls under the remit of Cuan, I have referred it to the Agency for direct response.
