Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 January 2026
104. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection whether records are kept on the purpose of community welfare officer grants; if so, if that data includes grants awarded in domestic violence cases where families were required to leave the family home; if so, the number of such grants issued and value in each year from 2022 to 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6653/26]
View answerThe Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents. Supports under this scheme are available through our Community Welfare Officers.
While my Department does not provide grants under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, Additional Needs Payments may be made to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income. These payments may include assistance with additional travel costs, rent deposits, rent in advance and household bills.
My Department publishes statistics on Additional Needs Payments in the Quarterly Statistics report which is available on gov.ie. While statistics are maintained in relation to categories of payments made under the Additional Needs Payments scheme, it is not possible to identify data specifically relating to payments provided for domestic violence cases where families were required to leave the family home, as this information is not recorded or collated.
My Department also provides support to victims of domestic violence by providing easier access to rent supplement on referral by Cuan-funded service providers. This provides victims of domestic violence with a fast-track approval and screening process with a simplified means test to get immediate access to Rent Supplement so that they are not prevented from leaving their home because of financial concerns. As of end of December 2025, there were 22 victims of domestic violence being supported under these arrangements.
Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to a payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
