A local domestic violence support group saw a 200 per cent increase in calls this summer.
A new report by Safe Ireland has found that over 4,000 women and children contacted domestic abuse services for the first time between March and August.
Tearmann Domestic Abuse Service, which supports victims of domestic abuse in Cavan and Monaghan, has criticised the Government for not adequately supporting the sector.
Manager of the local service Siobhan McKenna said domestic violence has been name checked as a priority during the pandemic but isn’t being given the relevant funding.
She says money needs to be ringfenced for these supports.
The Taoiseach says additional funding for domestic abuse services “should not an issue”.
He was responding to Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald who highlighted the pressures mentioned in the Safe Ireland report, and his previous commitments to provide supports.
Michéal Martin said he’ll raise the report with his government colleagues.
