We are going through an epidemic of domestic abuse and violence. In 2025, the Garda had over 67,000 calls in relation to domestic abuse. Seven women were murdered last year, and in many of those cases, it was by a family member, a partner or somebody known closely to the victim. This year, in the first six months, matters have got even worse. Eight women have been murdered to date. Two were killed within a few short days of each other just over a week ago: Jamey Carney in Kerry and Adina Constantin in Portlaoise, who was killed literally on the same street as my office. The absence of a domestic abuse refuge in nine counties, including Laois, is a problem. The Tánaiste will recall me raising this a number of times in the House over the years. The Laois domestic abuse services have been raising the importance of this issue. Having a safe place for victims to go, including when children have to flee the family home, is essential. Victims in Laois often have to leave the county to seek refuge, and they are away from all services and family supports.

Sentiment score: -0.47

I will finish on this point. The council bought a site nearly three years ago for an eight-unit refuge. There was a lack of progress, but an approved housing body, AHB, Tuath Housing, has been secured to put that in place.

Sentiment score: 0.27

I ask the Minister for justice, the wider Government and Cuan to treat this with a sense of urgency, allocate the capital assistance scheme, CAS, money for it and get the scheme up and running as quickly as possible. I think the Tánaiste will agree it is an important issue.

Sentiment score: 0.62