8. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to outline the criteria used by Cuan in identifying priority locations for new refuge units; if counties with established DSGBV services, such as Kildare, may be considered for inclusion in future phases of refuge development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20827/26]

Sentiment score: 0.18

I had the opportunity to visit Teach Tearmainn women’s refuge in Kildare recently where I met Lorraine Rowan, the CEO, and her team who are carrying out incredible work. A lot of questions arose from that meeting, particularly the need to outline the criteria being used by Cuan in identifying priority locations for new refuge units and if counties with established domestic, sexual and gender based violence services, such as Kildare, may be considered for inclusion in future phases of refuge development.

Sentiment score: -0.10

I welcome the Minister saying that Cuan is considering Kildare for phase 2 development. That is welcome news. Teach Tearmainn is in Kildare town, which is quite a considerable distance from the north of the county, from the likes of Maynooth, Leixlip, Celbridge, Kilcock and Clane, and it is technically in the Kildare South constituency. However, it caters for women not only across Kildare but also across the midlands. The work it does is truly outstanding. One thing that has arisen for Teach Tearmainn is the amount of court-based related work it has been carrying out in Naas. There is need for a refuge centre in Naas, although I should say it has safe houses there. When will phase 2 be considered so that the likes of Teach Tearmainn can plan for the future?

Sentiment score: 0.38

I want to state my appreciation for the work the Minister, Cuan and the Department are doing in increasing supports for domestic violence survivors and indeed those who care for them. What the likes of Teach Tearmainn are looking for is the long- and medium-term assurances that staffing capacity will keep pace with the rising need. We are seeing a rising need, particularly in domestic violence situations which is quite worrying. It is not just in Kildare - it is across the country – and that is reflected in the increased number of refuge centres across the country and in the work the Department is doing. I want to acknowledge the vital work Teach Tearmainn is doing under real pressure and under constraints. The Minister has seen it himself. It has a really impressive set up. Kildare has the population, the demand and the established service infrastructure with Teach Tearmainn to cater for and care for more women not only in Kildare but across the region.

Sentiment score: 0.21