Laois is one of nine counties that still does not have a domestic abuse refuge. Over the past 15 years I have been highlighting the fact that victims and their families are sent miles to other counties to a refuge away from services, such as their local GP, schools and family support. They are already traumatised by the abuse and this can further traumatise them. Unfortunately, there is an upsurge in domestic abuse, including violence, sexual abuse and emotional abuse. It can be carried out by men and women but mainly by men. A site was purchased on the Mountrath Road in Portlaoise by Laois County Council over two years ago to provide eight apartment units and a service centre. The Department halted it and it has reached a deadlock because the approved housing body that was to partner with Laois Domestic Abuse Service was deemed not to meet the criteria by the Department. That is fair enough but I ask the Taoiseach to assess Sophia Housing. It is either able to meet the criteria or not. If it cannot, will another partner, in the form of another approved housing body or Laois County Council, be sought to get the facility in place?

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