“Noting that gender-based violence is identified by the World Health Organisation as the greatest threat to the health of women, girls and LGBTI people globally, that it is recognised as an epidemic in Ireland and that Government strategy is to double the provision of refuge accommodation nationally, that Fingal County Council could play a key role in improving provision of refuge accommodation throughout the County by:

a) assisting the only refuge in Fingal (run by Sonas and which currently turns away 500 women a year) to increase its capacity by supporting a Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) application for four more apartments and work with State Agencies to establish more refuges elsewhere in Fingal; 

b) providing or acquiring ‘safe homes’ for those fleeing domestic violence, none of which exist in Fingal;

c) give consideration to funding a post for Sonas to recruit a ‘Resettlement Officer’ for women and families in Fingal exiting refuge or facing homelessness due to violence.”

The motion, in the name of Councillor R. Coppinger was proposed by Councillor R. Coppinger and seconded by Councillor J. Hopkins.

Following discussions, the motion was AGREED.

“Noting that gender-based violence is identified by the World Health Organisation as the greatest threat to the health of women, girls and LGBTI people globally, that it is recognised as an epidemic in Ireland and that Government strategy is to double the provision of refuge accommodation nationally, that Fingal County Council could play a key role in improving provision of refuge accommodation throughout the County by:

a) assisting the only refuge in Fingal (run by Sonas and which currently turns away 500 women a year) to increase its capacity by supporting a Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) application for four more apartments and work with State Agencies to establish more refuges elsewhere in Fingal; 

b) providing or acquiring ‘safe homes’ for those fleeing domestic violence, none of which exist in Fingal;

c) give consideration to funding a post for Sonas to recruit a ‘Resettlement Officer’ for women and families in Fingal exiting refuge or facing homelessness due to violence.”

“Noting that gender based violence is identified by the World Health Organisation as the greatest threat to the health of women, girls and LGBTI people globally, that it is recognised as an epidemic in Ireland and that Government strategy is to double the provision of refuge accommodation nationally, that Fingal County Council could play a key role in improving provision of refuge accommodation throughout the County by:

a) assisting the only refuge in Fingal (run by Sonas and which currently turns away 500 women a year) to increase its capacity by supporting a Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) application for four more apartments and work with State Agencies to establish more refuges elsewhere in Fingal; 

b) providing or acquiring ‘safe homes’ for those fleeing domestic violence, none of which exist in Fingal;

c) give consideration to funding a post for Sonas to recruit a ‘Resettlement Officer’ for women and families in Fingal exiting refuge or facing homelessness due to violence.”