Lack of Offaly services for domestic violence victims raised in Seanad

Green Party Minister Pippa Hackett has urged Offaly County Council to act now in providing safe houses for victims of domestic violence.

Raising the issue in the Seanad this week, Minister Hackett said the local authority were asked to provide safe houses in Offaly "as a matter or urgency" but the response was that they needed more time. "While I understand anyone’s plea for more time, when we face a crisis, time is often something we have little of" she said.

The Laois/Offaly Minister recently met with members of Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service, and she told the Seanad debate that "it’s obvious that victims do not have more time. They cannot wait. This cannot wait. People in these areas need help now, and I urge Offaly Co Council to act now.”

She welcomed the publication of the Tusla review of accommodation services for victims of domestic abuse.

“Following the publication of the Tusla review, Ministers McEntee and O’Gorman listed Laois, Westmeath and Longford for prioritisation for the urgent provision of family units,” the Minister continued. “I know Laois Domestic Abuse Service has been campaigning for many years for a refuge, and Portlaoise has been prioritised for eight family places. Laois County Council are collaborating to identify a suitable site, hopefully as soon as possible."

However, she said she hopes to see " the same level of prioritisation for Offaly."

Minister Hackett said that Justice Minister Helen McEntee will "outline timelines and structures for the delivery of safe accommodation and refuge places" as part of the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV).

I understand that this strategy will be published in April, and I look forward to reviewing it with a Midlands lens” said Pippa Hackett.