Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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4. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for an update on the work of Cuan. [26381/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for her ongoing interest in this important topic. The establishment of Cuan was a hugely significant moment in the Government’s work to tackle all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and the realisation of a key priority in Ireland’s Zero Tolerance strategy.

Since I established it in January Cuan has worked closely with my Department to develop the 2024 Zero Tolerance implementation plan, which I published in April. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, a CEO was appointed in February followed by an excellent Board in April who are prioritising the appointment of additional suitably skilled staff with a view to bringing the team up to full strength.

Part of the Agency’s important function is to coordinate and drive the implementation of the Zero Tolerance strategy across Government and I understand Cuan has now met with almost all partner organisations involved in implementation. A robust transparent approach to regular reporting on progress is being developed, with the first report to be available in the summer.

The Agency is also working collaboratively with the NGO and DSGBV services sector to ensure the best possible service to meet the needs of victims and survivors.

A priority for the Government is the provision of safe accommodation, and planning and engagement by Cuan is underway for the delivery of 150 additional family refuge units. This is part of the Government’s Plan to double the number of refuge spaces within the lifetime of the Zero Tolerance Plan.

I am informed that good progress has also been made on setting out the approach the Agency will take to strategy coordination and implementation, and a Corporate Plan is being developed.

Other key actions this year will include work on the National Services Development Plan, progressing legislative reform, evaluating the effectiveness of awareness raising campaigns, and the development of a research and data plan.

I think the Deputy will agree that good progress made by Cuan so far and I am confident that it will, over the coming years, play a key role in combatting the scourge of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.