No clarity on opening of domestic violence refuge

The Children’s Minister cannot say if a domestic violence refuge will be set up locally next year.

There has been a long-running campaign to open a centre, which would cater for domestic abuse victims in Cavan and Monaghan.

The local counties are two of nine across the country without a dedicated refuge, with those in need having to travel to centres in Louth or Meath instead.

Asked by local TD Brendan Smith if a domestic violence refuge would be set up locally in 2022, Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration, Roderic O’Gorman, said he was “not in a position to confirm” if one would.

But he said Tusla has had engagement with local groups “about potential future refuge developments”.

Minister O’Gorman said, while there is a lack of a refuge centre in Cavan and Monaghan, there are groups who are working with those in need including the Tearmann Domestic Violence Service.

Based in Monaghan, Tearmann also has an outreach service in Cavan Town.

Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has called for quick action on the matter.

“This is an urgent and pressing issue, which can no longer face any further delay. Unfortunately, as in other parts of the country, there are too many people in need of this vital service in our region,” he said.

Tusla was last year tasked with carrying out a review of domestic violence refuges across the country.

Minister O’Gorman says this has now been completed and “is undergoing final edits before publication”.

It’s expected to be released in the coming weeks.

Deputy Smith says the National Development Plan announced last week “confirms the Government’s commitment to address the need for greater domestic violence refuge accommodation to meet the needs of victims throughout the country”.