Local TD Margaret Conlon has said that Government funding to support domestic violence groups such as the Tearmann Domestic Violence Service in Monaghan and Cavan must be maintained, especially in light of the fact that the number of women availing of its services is increasing.

Deputy Conlon is working to ensure that funding for the group is protected under the current budgetary review ongoing at Government level. “I am very supportive of the work being done by the Tearmann Domestic Violence Service in Monaghan and Cavan. The work they do is very important and while funding is being reviewed across Government departments, this is one area that should be prioritised,” she stated.

The local TD added that there has been a 40 per cent increase in the number of women accessing Tearmann Information and Supports Services in Monaghan and Cavan such as its telephone support, Outreach, court accompaniment, and advocacy over the past two years. “People who are subject to domestic violence are at serious risk of homelessness and poverty and they must be protected as much as possible. It is a very isolating experience and it’s so important that these services are available locally for people to confide in.”

Deputy Conlon has made contact with the Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern TD to urge him to protect funding in this area in the next Budget. “I will continue to work on behalf of local groups such as the Tearmann Domestic Violence Service to ensure that they receive the funding they require to continue operating,” she concluded.