Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
277. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection whether her Department has undertaken any review of financial barriers faced by victims of domestic abuse when seeking access to emergency income supports, housing assistance payment supports or social housing. [38584/26]
View answerTackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a priority for the Government. Establishing a zero-tolerance approach to domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence is essential for safeguarding individuals and promoting a safer society.
The Programme for Government includes a number of commitments in this regard. While many of the Programme for Government commitments fall within the remit the Minister for Justice and other Ministers, this is an issue that requires a whole of Government approach. For that reason, the Programme for Government included a commitment to “examine how the social protection system can better support people fleeing domestic violence.”
My Department already has provisions in place in the Rent Supplement Scheme to assist those fleeing domestic violence. In such circumstances the Rent Supplement means test does not apply for an initial three-month period. Access to this support is instead via a fast-track approval process to assist with immediate accommodation needs.
Building on this initiative, officials in my Department engaged with stakeholders exploring options as to how we can best support the travel needs of people fleeing domestic violence. As a result, earlier this month I was delighted to announce a new Travel Supplement protocol for victims of domestic violence. This measure ensures that those fleeing domestic violence have the necessary financial support to meet their immediate travel needs.
Mirroring the rent supplement scheme approach, my Department now provides the new travel supplement to those fleeing domestic violence without the need for a means test during the first three months. After the first three months have passed, a person may be provided with a further three-month extension of the Travel Supplement; subject to the usual means assessment.
In addition to the above, my Department's Community Welfare Service continues to provide access to income supports where urgent needs arise, and I would encourage everyone to engage with their local community welfare officer in such circumstances.
Delivering on the commitment to examine how the social protection system can better support people fleeing domestic violence is a priority within the Department and is reflected in the introduction of the new travel supplement. Officials will continue to progress work on this commitment, including taking learnings from other jurisdictions and through further consultation with stakeholders.
Finally, housing assistance payment supports, and social housing are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
