Laois TD calls on Taoiseach to consider domestic abuse shelter for Laois

The Taoiseach has agreed that Laois does need a domestic abuse centre, after a Laois TD raised it in the Dáíl.

Deputy Brian Stanley is asking An Taoiseach Micheál Martin - who was in Laois this month for the Fianna Fáil Centenary Gala Dinner - to assess Sophia Housing.

An Taoiseach now promises to raise the issue with the Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan.

The housing body Sophia was deemed "ineligible" when they applied for state funding to build the shelter just before Christmas, stalling the project to built an eight unit shelter for Laois mothers and children trying to escape abusive homes.

Dep Stanley described the impact of the lack of a Laois refuge on families, to Mr Martin.

“Laois is one of nine counties that still does not have a domestic abuse refuge. Over the past 15 years I have been highlighting the fact that victims and their families are sent miles to other counties to a refuge away from services, such as their local GP, schools and family support.

“They are already traumatised by the abuse, and this can further traumatise them. Unfortunately, there is an upsurge in domestic abuse, including violence, sexual abuse and emotional abuse. It can be carried out by men and women but mainly by men.

“A site was purchased on the Mountrath Road in Portlaoise by Laois County Council over two years ago to provide eight apartment units and a service centre. The Department halted it and it has reached a deadlock because the approved housing body that was to partner with Laois Domestic Abuse Service was deemed not to meet the criteria by the Department.

"That is fair enough but I ask the Taoiseach to assess Sophia Housing. It is either able to meet the criteria or not. If it cannot, will another partner, in the form of another approved housing body or Laois County Council, be sought to get the facility in place?” Dep Stanley asked.

In reply, the Taoiseach gave an undertaking.

“I will alert the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, to this issue because it is a specific one in terms of the approved housing bodies, Sophia Housing and the Department. It is frustrating when a site has been identified and there is the prospect of getting it off.

“There is a need for a refuge centre in Laois, and I acknowledge that. I will talk to the Minister. Perhaps I will ask him to contact the Deputy," Mr Martin said.

Read next: Is this the cheekiest bit of dumping in Portlaoise? 

Brian Stanley says he is now following up the issue directly with Minister Jim O Callaghan.

Cuan, the Government's new domestic, sexual and gender based violence agency, is now on the search for a replacement to Sophia for the Laois shelter, with a date to apply again for money. 

Laois Domestic Abuse Service has an office in Portlaoise, with staff who help 550 Laois women yearly that are affected by domestic abuse, offering a range of services including counselling. They recently published a groundbreaking report on the extent of sexual violence experienced by local women.