Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has today called on the government to urgently increase funding for domestic violence refuge accommodation.

The Sinn Féin leader said:

“Today marks Human Rights Day and the end of the annual 16 Days Campaign against gender-based violence.

“Figures released by Safe Ireland tell us that 9 requests for refuge accommodation went unmet every day last year because services will full.

“That’s 3,256 victims of domestic abuse or violence who having got themselves to the point of asking for help were unable to secure the safe accommodation and support they needed.

“The Istanbul Convention ratified by Ireland earlier this year requires the government to provide sufficient refuge accommodation and specialised support for all victims.

“Yet current provision of domestic violence emergency accommodation in Ireland meets just 31 per cent of actual need.

“Sinn Féin’s alternative budget included an additional capital investment of €9m for domestic violence refuges and an additional €2.8m domestic violence housing support services for 2020.

“We are also committed to increase funding for refuge accommodation and specialised supports over the next three years to meet Ireland’s obligations under the Istanbul Convention.

“The human cost of not fulfilling our obligations is immeasurable.”