Yesterday's Budget saw at €9m increase in funding to tackle domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, support victims, and implement the Zero Tolerance Plan. It means there has been a 22% increase in funding for domestic violence services over the last 18 months.
Siobhan McKenna from Tearmann Domestic Abuse Services in Monaghan says this latest allocation will help services like her own to provide what has been identified in the National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. She highlighted how there has been "major progress in the area" and that necessary change is on the way.
Ms McKenna warned, however, that th change needed cannot be brought to fruition without appropriate supports and adequate funding. "We are currently in the process of engagement with Monaghan and Cavan County Councils, Tusla, the Gardai and Safe Ireland about what the best type of accommodation is going forward," she added.
"Safe Ireland is publishing a project that examines what is the best model of accommodation going forward and what is needed for future-proofing services."
