Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has this evening expressed her disappointment at the decision of Regina Coeli House trustees to close its facility with immediate effect.

The Minister said: "The closure of this facility is disappointing and my priority is the safety of the women who need this service. My officials and I are working with the Housing Executive to respond to this decision quickly and in the best manner possible and alternative accommodation for the immediate term has been identified.

"The Department and the Housing Executive are working to explore longer term options for maintaining this kind of vital, housing service for women as urgently as possible."