Domestic violence refuge raised in Dáil

While a domestic violence refuge is in the pipeline for Cavan/Monaghan under the Zero Violence strategy, a date has not been provided and neither has an update on whether a site for the facility has been selected.

The latest position emerged during Dáil proceedings last week when newly elected TD Cathy Bennett (SF) highlighted to new Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, that not only was one refuge not enough for the 150,000 strong population of both counties, but legislation is urgently required to ensure that abused women are not forced out of the family home.

The local TD began her discussion by pointing to the “long-standing issue” that is “the lack of domestic violence refuges” in Cavan and Monaghan.

“Safe Ireland, in its submission to the Oireachtas Justice Committee on refuges, highlighted how there were nine counties without the necessary accommodation. Those same nine counties are still lacking a refuge; a journey between say, Dowra in west Cavan and Castleblayney in east Monaghan will take the best part of two hours by car; and the best part of a day by public transport,” she continued, before reminding that former Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, set a target of 280 spaces across the State by 2026.

“This is far shy of the more than 500 places that are recommended by the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. Our State has a long history of failing our women and children and there remains much work to be done to ensure all women and children in our society are unafraid, without anxiety, and free to enjoy the safety and security that we are all entitled to,” stated Deputy Bennett.

“A starting point today must be that where women and children are not safe in their homes where they experience or have fear of violence or are being abused, a refuge is available to them. Responsibility now falls, Minister, to your government and I ask you to make real progress and that you are ambitious as to what you can achieve for survivors of domestic abuse.”

Deputy Bennett went on to ask if the minister acknowledged the “need” for more ambition.

“As an indication of that ambition, will you commit to opening a refuge in Cavan and Monaghan, which would only be a precursor to delivering adequate refuge services in both counties?”

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Deputy Thomas Byrne, took Deputy Bennett’s question due to Minister O’Callaghan being at a cabinet meeting.

He read out Minister O’Callaghan’s response, which voiced the government's commitment to the Zero Tolerance strategy.

“One of the overarching goals of Zero Tolerance is a commitment to double the number of refuges across the country. This represents the fastest expansion ever of such services in the country. Cuan, the domestic, sexual and gender based violence agency was established last year and is working in partnership with local frontline service providers to streamline processes to accelerate the delivery of refuges,” he said.

There were 147 refuge units across the country at the end of 2023, with 12 new units delivered in 2024 including a state-of-the-art refuge in Wexford. This year, it's hoped a further 54 units will go under construction or refurbishment and this will bring the total number to 213 by the end of 2025.

The Minister said the development of a dedicated refuge in the Cavan/Monaghan region remains a key priority.

“Cavan/Monaghan has been identified as a phase one priority for refuge development under the Zero Tolerance strategy. Last year a site selection process for the building of a domestic violence refuge in the Cavan/Monaghan area started and this marked a key step in the delivery of a new unit in the region,” he continued.

“In addition to identifying a suitable location for the development, the process will also focus on potential locations for safe homes. This is a development that very much reflects the strong commitment from all parties to protect survivors, prevent further victimisation, and ensure stability to rebuild their lives.”

He referred to the outreach service in Castleblayney provided by Tearmann, that is now operating as Safe Ireland Cavan/Monaghan. He also referenced the national domestic violence helpline, operated by Women’s Aid.

“TLC Kids recovery programme which supports children recovering from domestic violence is also operated in the area by Barnardos and there are domestic violence services available in Dundalk, Co Louth.”

Responding, Deputy Bennett said: “It is disappointing that Minister O’Callaghan is not here today. I will reiterate the point that Cavan and Monaghan are only being considered for one refuge and I am asking the Minister to consider developing two refuges - one for each county. Why are we being treated unfairly in these counties? As well as enduring emotional, psychological and physical abuse, all too often victims of domestic abuse bear the brunt of the additional burden of their lives being turned upside down and effectively put out of the family home - especially in situations where the victim of domestic abuse is the primary childcare provider.

“This can compound suffering and penalise victims for being abused in the first instance. It is morally unacceptable that a woman can be forced into homelessness for having been abused by her partner. But that is what is happening. Can I ask you Minister if there is something the government would be willing to examine with the view of introducing necessary legislative changes to ensure the victims of domestic abuse don’t have their homes taken away from them, and their children, at a time when they are at their most vulnerable.

Minister Byrne replied: “Under the Zero Tolerance strategy, everyone who needs a domestic violence refuge will get one and we are working towards this… Funding to Cuan has been substantially increased to ensure that services are accessible to everyone.”