126. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Justice the number of domestic abuse refuge spaces in the State; his target for the delivery of additional refuge spaces by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12811/25]

Sentiment score: -0.03

I congratulate the Minister on his new post. Will the Minister outline the current capacity of domestic violence refuge spaces and his intentions to increase this to an adequate standard?

Sentiment score: 0.13

I am delighted to hear that the Minister is committed. I hope he will be able to make the necessary changes. The Government delivered seven spaces by the end of 2023. It delivered 12 in 2024. The language I have heard the Minister use referring to 54 units under construction, or due for refurbishment this year, suggests to me a net increase of less than 54. In the best case scenario that would mean he plans to deliver nearly 70 next year. However, it is also the case that this target seems ambitious only in terms of how low the bar has been set. The Istanbul Convention suggests Ireland should have in excess of 500 spaces. Is the Minister confident in meeting the 2026 target? Does he accept that it must be an interim target?

Sentiment score: 0.32

I again put it to the Minister that 280 is well below the 500 needed under the Istanbul Convention. A number of weeks ago, I sought a Dáil debate on the provision of these services in my constituency of Cavan-Monaghan. The Minister will be familiar with the fact that the people in our community are among those without any refuge spaces at all. It is a deep concern that the current ambition of the Government is that the people of both counties will continue to go without. This arises directly as a result of not only the Government's lack of delivery but also the Minister's lack of ambition. The Minister has set an inadequate target. As a result, the people in Cavan and Monaghan will bear the brunt of inadequate capacity. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan is the responsible Minister. Will he commit to opening a refuge in Cavan and another in Monaghan?

Sentiment score: -0.04

So, because they do not do it, we do not do it either.

Sentiment score: 0.00