Dear Minister
I am writing as a concerned citizen regarding the ongoing lack of domestic violence refuge spaces across several counties in Ireland and the pressing need for more robust and timely support services for women and children experiencing domestic abuse.
While I welcome the Irish Government’s Zero Tolerance strategy and its commitment to doubling refuge capacity by 2026, I am concerned about the pace of implementation and the impact on individuals in immediate crisis.
In this context, I would like to seek clarification on the following points:
Implementation Timeline
- What specific actions have been taken to ensure the delivery of the 98 new refuge spaces across the 12 priority locations?
- Is there a clear, publicly available timeline for each phase of development?
Local Planning and Funding
- Has a site been identified for the establishment of a refuge in the county seeking support.
- If so, what stage is the project currently at (e.g. planning, procurement, construction)?
- What specific budget allocations have been made for refuge development in counties currently without any provision?
Interim Measures
- What emergency housing arrangements are in place for survivors in counties without refuges?
- How is the government supporting local services, such as Tearmann and others, in managing these temporary accommodations?
Monitoring and Accountability
- What mechanisms are in place to monitor the progress of the Zero Tolerance strategy?
- How are local communities and service users being consulted and informed about the development of these critical services?
The absence of refuge services leaves many women and children vulnerable and isolated during times of crisis. It is crucial that commitments made are followed by transparent, timely, and accountable action.
I would appreciate a response addressing the above concerns and am happy to be contacted for any further clarification.
Yours sincerely,
sent 5th June 2025
Welcome to (40.1) Consulting
Welcome to 40.1
Supporting Families Through the Family Law Courts
At 40.1, we are committed to providing high-quality consulting services that empower families and strengthen communities. Our mission is to support and guide individuals navigating the family law courts — offering clarity, compassion, and confidence during challenging times.
Meet Grainne G Duffy from Monaghan.
Grainne G Duffy is the founder of 40.1 consulting. Grainne originally went about copywriting the idea of 40.1 webpage in 2020. However due to unforeseen circumstances only published the webpage today 17th April 2025.
The idea for 40.1 was born from her lived experience: over six years navigating the family law courts, appearing more than 100 times — first with legal representation, and later as a lay litigant due to financial necessity.
Throughout this journey, Grainne authored more than 600 letters - correspondence to Government departments and agencies and developed deep insight into the workings of family courts, as well as the broader support systems connected to them.
With over 20 years of professional experience in education, family and welfare at management level — including leading out and managing government-funded programs — Grainne brings not only deep expertise but a compassionate, strategic approach to every situation.
What We Offer
At 40.1, we do not offer legal advice. Instead, we focus on:
✅ What We Can Do (Not Legal Advice):
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Provide general information about legal procedures (e.g., “due process usually includes notice and a hearing”).
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Share publicly available legal resources.
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Explain how the system typically works — without applying it to a specific legal situation.
⚠️ What We Do Not Do (Legal Advice):
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Tell you what you should do in your case.
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Interpret laws or court rules specific to your situation.
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Create or suggest a legal strategy.
Quick Rule of Thumb:
If we’re helping you understand how the system works, that’s guidance. If someone is telling you what to do in your case, that’s legal advice — and that’s outside our scope.
The benefits - At 40.1, we can support you, not in place of a solicitor, but as a compassionate and informed ally in your journey through the family law courts. You don’t have to walk it alone.
Services
Why Choose 40.1?
With our highly experienced team, we provide consulting services that go beyond guidance — we help you verify, organize, and make sense of important data and documents for your own clarity and peace of mind.
Our process allows you to see how 40.1 interprets and understands the systems that impact the family — informed by lived experience and professional expertise.
Important Note:
We do not provide legal advice. Instead, we offer insight, clarity, and support based on publicly available information, lived experience, and best practices in communication and preparation.
Strategic Planning, Tailored to the Family’s Needs
Our Strategic Planning Service is designed to help you move forward with confidence. We work closely with you to design and develop a customized roadmap and program that aligns with your family’s unique circumstances, values, and goals.
Whether you’re navigating the family law courts or looking for family mediation or working through agency processes, or simply trying to find the next right step — we help you create a clear, informed path forward.
Empowering Families for Today and Tomorrow
Our highly qualified team is here to help you identify new opportunities for growth and provide a range of supports and services tailored to strengthen your family.
We take a holistic approach, addressing the real needs of families in today’s world — with compassion, strategy, and experience at the core of everything we do.
Mediation early (if agreed) is a game changer.
Family Mediation : family is not an important thing, it's everything.
“Working with 40.1 has been a game-changer for our family during this difficult time. Their insights and personalized approach and the family mediation have helped us achieve our goals faster than we thought possible.”
Contact us
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About us
40.1 is a new consulting firm based in Dublin, Ireland, specializing in solutions that empower families and communities to grow and thrive.
We work closely with each client to understand their unique goals and challenges, offering family mediation that drives meaningful results. Our team brings a wealth of experience, insight, and dedication—ensuring that the families wellbeing is always our priority.
