Ryan O'Meara
Ceist:516. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the introduction of pay-related parent's benefit; and when the public consultation will be issued. [68671/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (516)
Freagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government commits to introducing Pay-Related Parent's Benefit and exploring other payments where a similar model could be applied.
To progress this commitment, I intend to issue a public consultation paper seeking the views of all stakeholders in the near future to support the process and assist in the development of any future proposals in this area.
The discussion paper will set out the broad parameters of a possible new approach to pay-related payments. This high-level draft is intended to generate discussion and to prompt suggestions. The features proposed will not be definite but rather they will help interested parties to conceptualise plausible approaches and facilitate a focused debate around key design issues.
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (517)
Aisling Dempsey
Ceist:517. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of previously unsuccessful applicants for Carer’s Allowance who have subsequently reapplied and qualified under the new thresholds, since 2020. [68703/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Carer's Allowance is a means-tested social assistance payment for people who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who requires such care.
There are a number of qualifying conditions for Carer’s Allowance. These include conditions relating to the care recipient’s need for full-time care and attention, the provision of that care by the applicant, the applicant’s employment or education circumstances, residency requirements and satisfaction of the means test.
The Department does not hold the detailed data on the income of each individual household in the State that would allow it to identify the number of additional people who qualified specifically as a result of the increase in the income disregard. Furthermore, my Department does not collate statistics on the number of people who were unsuccessful and subsequently reapplied for Carer's Allowance.
The overall number of people receiving Carer's Allowance has increased each year since 2020. The number of recipients of Carer's Allowance at the end of each year from 2020 to 2025 are provided in the table below. While it is likely that much of this can be attributed to the increase in the means disregard, we cannot, in the absence of detailed information on the incomes of each individual household in the state, be definitive as to its impact.
Table 1: Carer's Allowance recipients, by year
|
Year |
Recipients |
|
2020 |
88,906 |
|
2021 |
90,889 |
|
2022 |
92,175 |
|
2023 |
95,787 |
|
2024 |
97,985 |
|
2025 |
104,522 |
|
end August 2026 |
111,027 |
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (518, 519, 520)
Aisling Dempsey
Ceist:518. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will ensure that the design of the Cost of Disability payment recognises the additional transport and service-access costs experienced by people with disabilities living in rural areas, such as County Meath. [68702/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAisling Dempsey
Ceist:519. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Social Protection the anticipated timeline for the design, eligibility criteria and implementation of the Cost of Disability payment. [68701/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAisling Dempsey
Ceist:520. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on the development of the proposed Cost of Disability Support Payment, following the public consultation and Strategic Focus Network Summit held earlier this year. [68700/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 518, 519 and 520 together.
The Government recognises the additional costs that disabled people can face in their daily lives and is committed improving outcomes for disabled people by introducing permanent measures. That is why the Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce a permanent annual cost of disability payment.
In addition, the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, which was developed with significant input from disability groups and advocates, includes a commitment to a Strategic Focus Network Summit on the Cost of Disability, emphasising the cross-government nature of the issue.
A public consultation process on how a cost of disability payment can best be delivered was launched on Friday, February 20th and ran for just over six weeks until Tuesday April 7th.
The over 1,100 submissions helped inform the agenda for the Strategic Focus Network Summit on the Cost of Disability, which I hosted in the Aviva Stadium on the 13th of May. It was attended by 150 people in person, with approximately the same number joining online.
The Summit was also attended by members of the Oireachtas together with senior Government Ministers including the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, the Minister of State for Disability and the Minister of State at the Department of Transport. This attendance indicates that the delivery of a solution will involve a range of Departments and agencies.
This whole of government approach is important as addressing these costs is not simply a matter of income supports alone. Improvements in the delivery of, and access to, key services are also needed.
At the Summit, we heard about the lived experience of disabled people and about the unavoidable costs which they incur and the impact this has on their daily lives. On 16 July, I presented a briefing paper on the Summit to the Strategy's Delivery and Monitoring Committee which is chaired by the Taoiseach, and attended by other Government Ministers as well as Disabled Person's Organisations and representatives of Civil Society Groups.
In addition, a specific workshop on disability matters was hosted as part of the National Economic Dialogue and I hosted the Pre-Budget Forum on 1 July where we had a session on issues relating to disability and caring.
All of these engagements together with submissions to the consultation process and the output of the Strategic Focus Network are informing the approach that we, across Government, are taking in Budget 2027.
Options in relation to a cost of disability payment and any possible eligibility criteria are being considered in the context of the Budget process.
Transport costs and service-access costs are matters for my colleagues, the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality respectively.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Question No. 519 answered with Question No. 518.
Question No. 520 answered with Question No. 518.
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (521)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:521. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 65399/26 of 16 September 2026, which compared the back to school clothing and footwear allowance against uniform costs alone, whether his Department has assessed the cost of school footwear, sports clothing and other required clothing alongside uniforms; the basis for the conclusion that the allowance compares favourably, given that it is intended to cover both clothing and footwear; and whether an increase in the rates will be considered in Budget 2027. [68781/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is a payment to assist with the costs of clothing and footwear only, when a child is returning to education. The allowance is payable at the rate of €160.00 in respect of children aged 2-11, and €285.00 in respect of children aged 12 and over and is a contribution to assist households with the costs of school clothing and footwear.
As the Deputy was advised previously, my Department does not have any plans to undertake an assessment of the average cost incurred by families in preparing a child to return to school against the value of the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. Other associated costs incurred by families when a child is returning to education is a matter for my colleague, Minister Hildegarde Naughton, Education and Youth , and the Department of Education and Youth.
Any changes to the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance scheme would have cost implications and could only be considered in an overall budgetary context.
As with every annual Government Budget process, managing competing priorities with a finite budget allocation is a challenge. In my role as Minister for Social Protection, I am striving to ensure that Budget 2027 prioritises targeted supports to reduce poverty.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Business Supports
Ceisteanna (522)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:522. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has or is considering reducing employer PRSI in retail to help combat the cost of business increases. [68095/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In general, the issue of targeted supports for businesses is a matter for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. However, the following is the position with regards to employer PRSI.
The main finding of the most latest Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund was that the Fund will experience significant long term sustainability challenges. It is in this regard that the previous Government agreed to a series of annual incremental increases in all PRSI rates, including employer PRSI, up to and including 2028. A further evaluation of the position of the Fund will be held after the completion of the next Actuarial Review next year.
It is in this context that there are no proposals, nor has consideration been given to reduce the employer PRSI rate. However, in recognition of the pressures faced by businesses, the Government agreed, in Budget 2026, to increase the employer PRSI threshold from €527 to €552 per week, effective from 1 January 2026. This will ensure that employers with full time employees on the national minimum wage or employees with earnings under €552 per week will attract the lower employer PRSI rate of 9%.
Any similar or further employer PRSI relief measures for businesses would have to be considered in a budgetary context, taking account of the economic circumstances and with a view to the sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Gender Recognition
Ceisteanna (523)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:523. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Social Protection for a report on the work of the interdepartmental working group on a non-binary gender; and when the report will be published. [68912/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Review Group for the Gender Recognition Act recommended in its report extending legal gender recognition to non-binary people, while also recognising the complexity of the issue and acknowledging that a comprehensive impact analysis will be required initially.
In June 2025 the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth launched the National LGBTIQ+Inclusion Strategy II (2024-2028). A Steering Committee, chaired by the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth has been established comprising representatives from the LGBTIQ+ community and statutory and non-statutory bodies including Government Departments.
As part of this strategy there is a commitment to carry out an impact assessment on providing legal recognition for those who identify as non-binary. My officials continue to engage with the Department of Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth, along with other relevant departments, to progress this matter.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (524)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:524. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider allowing family carers who are aged over 66 years and are in receipt of a State Pension to receive the full-rate carers acknowledging the care they provide is the same as care provided by a carer younger than them and supporting them as they age to keep their loved one at home, significantly saving the State; and if he will advise the cost to implement this for current recipients. [68882/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I fully recognise the invaluable contribution made by our family carers and I acknowledge that caring responsibilities do not diminish when a person reaches pension age. The Government has provided over €2.2 billion for caring income supports in 2026.
Generally under the single payment per person rule, people who qualify for multiple social welfare payments typically receive only the higher of the available options.
In recognition of the important contribution made by carers, an exception applies whereby a person who is receiving a primary social welfare payment and who is also providing full-time care and attention may receive a half-rate Carer's Allowance in addition to their main payment. This arrangement applies to almost all weekly social welfare payments.
There are currently more than 111,000 people in receipt of Carer’s Allowance at an estimated cost of more than €1.4 billion in 2026. Of that total, 51,919 are receiving their full primary social welfare payment together with a half-rate Carer's Allowance payment. Following the substantial improvements made to the Carer's Allowance means test in Budget 2026, the vast majority of these carers now receive the maximum half-rate payment. The weekly income disregard increased from €625 to €1,000 for a single person and from €1,250 to €2,000 for carers who are part of a couple.
Currently, there are 17,390 pensioners receiving the State Pension and an additional half-rate Carer’s Allowance payment. Of those, 450 are providing care to two or more people and currently receiving an enhanced half-rate payment.
Following Budget 2026, eligible Carer’s Allowance recipients who qualify for the full State Pension (Contributory) see the amount they receive each week increase from €270 to €453.30 at age 66—an increase of €183.30.
To provide a full-rate Carer's Allowance payment to these 17,390 pensioners would cost an estimated additional €141 million annually.
It is important to note that this costing is an estimate based on administrative data. It takes no account of year-on-year increases in recipient numbers or increases in rates of payment.
I have no plan at this time to amend the policy relating to the payment of half-rate Carer's Allowance and pension payments. The Government’s main focus in relation to carers is the process of phasing out the means test for Carer’s Allowance, which is well underway. This policy approach is strongly advocated by family carer organisations.
The Government is committed to supporting carers, and commitments as set out in the Programme for Government will continue to be advanced over the lifetime of the Government, having regard to the overall policy and budgetary context.
Departmental Reviews
Ceisteanna (525)
John Connolly
Ceist:525. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection when the comprehensive review of means testing within the social protection system commenced; the current status of that review, when the Minister expects the review to be completed and its findings published; and the reason for the length of time taken to complete the review. [68968/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government commits to carry out a comprehensive review of means tests across the social welfare system taking into account the Report on Means Testing by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection. My Department is conducting a review of means testing within the social protection system.
The aim is to examine various means-tested schemes and identify any issues related to their respective means tests. With over 140 schemes and services, many of which are means-tested, this is a complex and detailed task.
It is my intention that the review's findings will inform decisions regarding potential changes to means testing in future Budgets.
The review is currently with senior management of the Department for review and I expect that it will be submitted to me shortly.
Due to the complexity of the review, I will carefully and thoroughly evaluate it to determine the best way to utilise its findings and identify those that may warrant further consideration.
However, any prospective changes to means-testing arrangements will need to be evaluated and considered within the overall policy and budgetary context.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (526)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:526. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of domiciliary care allowance, by county, for each of the years 2020 to 2025 and to date in 2026. [68951/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Domiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly payment for a child with a severe disability. The payment is not based on the type of disability, but rather on the impact of the disability.
The number of recipients of Domiciliary Care Allowance by county at the end of each year from 2020 to 2025, and at the end of August 2026, are provided in the table below.
Table 1: Domiciliary Care Allowance recipients, by year and county
|
County |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 (end August) |
|
Carlow |
702 |
677 |
759 |
818 |
859 |
881 |
949 |
|
Cavan |
651 |
694 |
763 |
837 |
933 |
1,029 |
1,104 |
|
Clare |
1,019 |
1,083 |
1,158 |
1,223 |
1,268 |
1,308 |
1,323 |
|
Cork |
6,130 |
6,386 |
6,875 |
7,285 |
7,706 |
8,287 |
8,709 |
|
Donegal |
1,380 |
1,385 |
1,454 |
1,576 |
1,680 |
1,807 |
1,881 |
|
Dublin |
10,795 |
11,412 |
12,493 |
13,362 |
14,301 |
15,863 |
16,951 |
|
Galway |
2,057 |
2,118 |
2,267 |
2,462 |
2,620 |
2,832 |
3,028 |
|
Kerry |
1,382 |
1,393 |
1,488 |
1,548 |
1,634 |
1,730 |
1,805 |
|
Kildare |
2,083 |
2,147 |
2,325 |
2,525 |
2,695 |
2,968 |
3,140 |
|
Kilkenny |
773 |
881 |
936 |
1,013 |
1,095 |
1,211 |
1,280 |
|
Laois |
948 |
1,065 |
1,156 |
1,233 |
1,333 |
1,457 |
1,511 |
|
Leitrim |
258 |
260 |
290 |
310 |
338 |
384 |
393 |
|
Limerick |
2,303 |
2,394 |
2,567 |
2,706 |
2,826 |
3,027 |
3,124 |
|
Longford |
428 |
446 |
484 |
519 |
541 |
604 |
656 |
|
Louth |
1,259 |
1,299 |
1,435 |
1,553 |
1,675 |
1,901 |
2,027 |
|
Mayo |
979 |
1,003 |
1,106 |
1,197 |
1,263 |
1,356 |
1,397 |
|
Meath |
1,818 |
1,970 |
2,215 |
2,408 |
2,649 |
2,890 |
3,090 |
|
Monaghan |
482 |
505 |
551 |
602 |
672 |
739 |
781 |
|
Offaly |
965 |
1,031 |
1,095 |
1,176 |
1,242 |
1,348 |
1,399 |
|
Roscommon |
627 |
661 |
716 |
759 |
827 |
863 |
890 |
|
Sligo |
512 |
525 |
560 |
605 |
645 |
708 |
757 |
|
Tipperary |
1,687 |
1,765 |
1,916 |
2,028 |
2,161 |
2,307 |
2,407 |
|
Waterford |
1,024 |
1,010 |
1,096 |
1,189 |
1,314 |
1,425 |
1,502 |
|
Westmeath |
1,063 |
1,072 |
1,156 |
1,250 |
1,339 |
1,442 |
1,510 |
|
Wexford |
1,554 |
1,597 |
1,711 |
1,791 |
1,928 |
2,116 |
2,212 |
|
Wicklow |
1,336 |
1,374 |
1,487 |
1,620 |
1,751 |
1,956 |
2,037 |
|
Unknown |
64 |
58 |
66 |
61 |
63 |
83 |
87 |
|
Total |
44,279 |
46,211 |
50,125 |
53,656 |
57,358 |
62,522 |
65,950 |
Naturalisation Applications
Ceisteanna (527, 543, 544)
Eamon Scanlon
Ceist:527. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether Stamp 0 residence accumulated prior to the commencement of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026 will continue to be recognised as reckonable residence for naturalisation purposes; and whether transitional protections will apply to existing Stamp 0 residents. [68032/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Conor Sheehan
Ceist:543. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if the Government will consider protecting, either fully or partially, Temporary Protection Residence accumulated before the commencement of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026. [68270/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraConor Sheehan
Ceist:544. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current statutory basis for treating residents under Temporary Protection as non-reckonable, given the proposed amendment to section 16A and the wording in the general scheme that it will move Temporary Protection time from being reckonable residence. [68268/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 527, 543 and 544 together.
The Government recognises and values the significant contribution that migrants make to Irish society, communities and the economy.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to continue to implement a firmer and more sustainable migration system which protects the integrity of the State's immigration framework. In that context, the General Scheme of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Bill 2026 proposes a number of reforms to the citizenship process.
Citizenship represents the fullest expression of membership of Irish society and it is important that the legislative framework governing access to citizenship is robust, fair and sustainable. The proposed changes do not seek to restrict integration or exclude migrants from Irish society. Rather, they are intended to ensure that citizenship reflects a genuine and lasting connection to Ireland, an understanding of the State and its institutions, and an ongoing commitment to Irish society.
The proposed amendments relate to the conditions for acquiring citizenship and do not affect a person's entitlement to reside, work, study, establish a business or build a life in Ireland in accordance with the terms of their immigration permission.
The Government recognises that some individuals may be relatively close to meeting the current residence requirements and may be disappointed by the proposed changes.
Any legislative reform requires a commencement date and, inevitably, there will be cases where individuals fall on one side or the other of that date.
As provided for in the General Scheme, the revised citizenship provisions are intended to apply following enactment and commencement of the legislation. Accordingly, citizenship applications made following commencement will be assessed under the legislative framework then in force.
Existing policy is that time spent residing in Ireland on temporary permissions and other ad-hoc schemes, including time spent in the State on the basis of temporary protection under the Temporary Protection Directive is not reckonable for naturalisation purposes. The legislation will be clarified to reflect this position.
It is important to note that the proposed amendments relate to the conditions for acquiring citizenship and do not affect a person's entitlement to Temporary Protection.
The Government is aware of the concerns expressed by a range of stakeholders. Those views have been noted and will form part of the wider public and parliamentary consideration of the legislation as it progresses through the Oireachtas.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (528)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:528. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of each category of firearm training course that was held in either Garda headquarters or Garda training course in the years of 2025 and to date in 2026; and the name of each course and the duration of each course, in tabular form. [68057/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (529)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:529. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of motorcycle instructor posts currently filled in both Garda headquarters and Garda training college; and the number of vacancies currently in both locations, in tabular form. [68055/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
Visa Applications
Ceisteanna (530)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:530. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when the visa appeal for a student accepted on the Ireland Palestine Scholarship Programme will be decided. [68066/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can advise the Deputy that the visa application referred to has been refused. The reasons for this decision were set out in the refusal letter sent to the applicant at that time. An appeal of this decision was launched on 14 September 2026.
All visa applicants are advised that the responsibility is on them to provide as much information in support of their application as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on our website. People that carefully follow these guidelines have an improved prospect of receiving a positive decision.
It should be noted that visa appeals are dealt with in strict chronological order. A decision will be issued to the applicant as soon as full consideration has been given by a Visa Appeals Officer.
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their visa appeal on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at:
https://portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
Residency Permits
Ceisteanna (531)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:531. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he plans to reintroduce or extend the travel and employers notices regarding renewal IRP applications; and if delays remain in the system. [68065/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Registration Office of my Department continues to experience exceptionally high demand for both first-time registration appointments and immigration permission renewal applications.
I understand that waiting times can be frustrating for applicants, and I can assure the Deputy that my Department is making every effort to facilitate as many applicants as possible and to increase processing capacity. Additional staff have been assigned to this work, resulting in a reduction in processing times for renewal applications.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, for certain categories of renewals, processing times are now approximately 4 to 6 weeks from the date of application, with no category currently exceeding a waiting time of 9 weeks.
The Registration Office publishes a live application processing date for each stamp category, which is updated every Monday and is available at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-renew-your-current-permission/renewing-your-registration-permission-if-you-live-in-the-republic-of-ireland/.
As processing times have decreased significantly, there are currently no plans to introduce a further travel notice for customers.
I can advise the Deputy that the notice to employers published on my Department's website remains in force and is available at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-renew-your-current-permission/notice-to-employers/.
Where an employee's Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card has expired, and the person holds either a valid, in-date employment permit or a permission that does not require an employment permit, but is unable to obtain a renewed registration card before the expiry of their current IRP card, they may continue to reside in the State under the existing conditions of their current permission for a maximum period of 12 weeks.
This 12-week provision is subject to the employee having submitted an application to renew their registration, including where a change of stamp category is involved, before the expiry of their current IRP card. The applicant must also provide evidence of that application and have uploaded all required documentation, including a valid employment permit where applicable.
Applicants can check the status of their immigration application through the Immigration Service Customer Service Portal. They may register for an account, or log in to an existing account, at: https://portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/.
Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
Ceisteanna (532)
Gary Gannon
Ceist:532. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the formal consultations has Cuan undertaken directly with victims and survivors of domestic violence; the number of victims and survivors participated; and the specific policy or service changes resulted from any consultations that have taken place. [68082/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I recognise the importance of ensuring that the voices and experiences of victims and survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) inform the development of DSGBV policy, services and public awareness initiatives. The Zero Tolerance Strategy and, indeed, the Programme for Government clearly set out our commitments to listening to victims and survivors and ensuring that their voice informs service improvements, as well as policy and practice.
This commitment is reflected in Action 4.7.1 of the Zero Tolerance Implementation Plan 2025-2026, which seeks to strengthen consultative structures to engage victims and survivors, children, civil society and sectoral organisations throughout implementation of the Strategy, particularly the development of services, research and public awareness campaigns. The purpose of this work is to ensure that actions to prevent and respond to DSGBV are informed by lived experience and victims and survivor voices.
Last year, Cuan partnered with the National Women's Council and the Observatory on Violence Against Women to fund independent research on the development of survivor structures of engagement. This research included consultations undertaken by an independent expert with three distinct cohorts: victim-survivors themselves, the DSGBV sector and civil society, and civil and public servants. The researcher also undertook consultation on good practice in survivor engagement in other jurisdictions and was supported by an Advisory Group to the project which included representatives of civil society and the DSGBV sector, as well as officials from my Department and Cuan. This project concluded with the publication of www.nwci.ie/learn/publication/structures_of_engagement_for_survivors_of_violence_against_women which was launched in April 2026. Cuan and my Department have considered the report's recommendations and are at the early stages of progressing the development of dedicated survivor engagement structures.
In parallel, officials from Cuan and my Department engage regularly with victims and survivors and their representative groups, including in the development of public awareness campaigns, research and service development, as well as through bilateral engagement at the request of survivors themselves. I regularly meet with victims and survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and I commend their bravery in sharing their often traumatic experiences in order to strengthen protections for others in similar situations.
My Department and Cuan are particularly conscious of the need for survivor engagement to be intersectional and inclusive of those from seldom-heard groups and continue to work with survivor representative groups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to ensure this objective is achieved. My Department convenes regular meetings with sectoral stakeholders through a number of different fora including the DSGBV Forum, the Victims of Crime Forum, the Family Justice Development Forum and the Human Trafficking Stakeholders Forum. These meetings provide an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with frontline organisations working with victims and survivors with the aim of keeping updated on developments and trends, improving outcomes and supporting those engaging with the justice system.
While no single consolidated figure is maintained for the number of victims and survivors who have participated across the wide range of consultation and engagement mechanisms supported by my Department or Cuan, engagement has taken place through multiple channels, and this will continue.
My Department, supported by Cuan, has commenced initial preparations for development of the Fourth National Strategy on DSGBV. Early consultation activity has already taken place, including engagement with stakeholders and services through the National Women's Council which include victim-survivors and their representative groups, and further consultations will continue as work progresses, including engagement with children and young people.
Through supporting these measures, I remain fully committed to ensuring that the lived experience of victims and survivors continues to shape the development of policy, services, research and public awareness initiatives, and that victims’ and survivors’ voices continue to be central to Ireland's response to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
Ceisteanna (533)
Gary Gannon
Ceist:533. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the services funded or overseen by Cuan that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and what arrangements are available to a victim requiring immediate specialist domestic violence assistance during the night or at weekends. [68081/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This Government has taken unprecedented actions to tackle all forms of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV). This includes increasing funding to almost €80 million under Budget 2026, to support Cuan and services working to tackle DSGBV and the implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy.
For victims of domestic or sexual violence support services from State agencies and the voluntary sector are available to help. Anyone in any immediate danger should contact An Garda Síochána on 999/112. AlwaysHere.ie is a website that is run by Cuan, and lists all the DSGBV support services that are available both locally and nationally.
Along with many other in-person services, there are a number of helplines that offer support to victim-survivors 24 hours a day and at weekends. The Women’s Aid 24-hour National Freephone Helpline is a free, non-judgmental, and confidential service that offers support to women subjected to domestic abuse including coercive control. This includes emotional, physical, sexual, or economic abuse by a current or former partner. The National Freephone Helpline provides support in 240 languages. If English is not someone's first language, they can be helped in their own language through the free and confidential telephone interpretation service. The 24-hour National Freephone Helpline is a gateway to local independent refuges and support services across the country.
Anyone affected by rape, sexual assault or other forms of sexual violence can call the National Rape Crisis Helpline 1800 778888, a free and confidential listening and support service run by Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC). Skilled crisis counsellors offer non-judgmental support to callers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Both Women’s Aid and DRCC receive funding from Cuan, the full details of which can be found in Cuan’s Annual Report 2025.
Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
Ceisteanna (534)
Gary Gannon
Ceist:534. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total budget for Cuan's in each year since its establishment, in tabular form; and the amount of that expenditure that went directly to frontline services for victims and survivors. [68080/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This Government has taken unprecedented actions to confront the scourge of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV).
Cuan, established in 2024, is the statutory agency responsible for the coordination and implementation of the Government’s response to DSGBV. The total budget for Cuan was €59.05 million in 2024, €66.9 million in 2025, and €79.2 million in 2026. Cuan’s overall budget each year includes spend on salaries for Cuan staff and business overheads, as well as funding for DSGBV services, and prevention measures including education and awareness raising campaigns.
Cuan funds 78 DSGBV organisations nationally, including 20 domestic violence refuges. Cuan has provided the following levels of funding to organisations for the provision of DSGBV services, including refuges and support services:
• €52.3 million in 2024;
• €58.4 million in 2025;
• the provisional allocation for 2026 is €69 million.
Prior to 2024, funding for DSGBV services was administered across a number of Government Departments and agencies, and consolidated funding figures for the sector are therefore not available. The establishment of Cuan has provided a more coordinated and strategic approach to funding and service development, ensuring that resources are directed towards identified needs and aligned with the objectives of the Zero Tolerance Strategy.
Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
Ceisteanna (535)
Gary Gannon
Ceist:535. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of additional domestic violence refuge and emergency accommodation spaces that have become fully operational since Cuan was established; and to provide a county-by-county breakdown showing the number of spaces available when Cuan commenced; the number available today; the number currently under development; and the expected opening date of each planned facility. [68077/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This Government has taken unprecedented actions to tackle all forms of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV). This includes increasing funding to almost €80 million under Budget 2026, to support Cuan and services working to tackle DSGBV and the implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy. The increased funding for Cuan and community organisations that support victims and survivors will accelerate the delivery of safe accommodation, while also providing stronger supports for victims.
Refuge units and safe homes provide a vital place of safety for families in crisis. The Government is determined to continue to establish units across the country to ensure that those supports are available when they are most needed.
At the start of the zero-tolerance strategy, there were 49 safe homes and 141 DV refuge units in place. By the end of 2026, the target is to increase this to 94 safe homes, 193 refuge units, with an additional 50 units under construction. All refuges scheduled to open in 2026 are on track, including 12 units in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown expected to be operational in Quarter 4 2026.
Cuan is collaborating with various stakeholders, including domestic violence services, Approved Housing Bodies, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency and Local Authorities to facilitate local action and support service development and delivery of safe accommodation and ancillary services. Furthermore, Cuan continues to explore additional opportunities for developing domestic violence accommodation, especially in areas where such facilities are currently lacking, while also considering interim refuges and alternative accommodation for those fleeing domestic violence.
Work is also ongoing by Cuan to create a robust, scalable funding model, implement National Service Standards and develop a National Services Development Plan (NSDP). By working with partners across the sector, Cuan is building capacity, accelerating delivery of accommodation and ensuring that frontline professionals and support staff are trained to respond effectively.
The are nine counties currently without a domestic violence refuge, they are; Carlow, Cavan, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon and Sligo. However, five of these counties have Safe Homes, which is another form of safe domestic violence accommodation. Work is underway to develop safe accommodation capacity in the remaining four counties; beginning with Leitrim and Laois, with Laois identified as a priority area for refuge development.
Cuan is also working to support the provision of domestic violence accommodation in Cavan and Monaghan. Cuan is working with Safe Ireland to deliver six Safe Homes (three in Monaghan and three in Cavan), and an interim refuge in Monaghan. It is anticipated that these will be operational by Quarter 4 2026.
Cuan has further advised that the attached table outlines safe accommodation units by county as as of Quarter 3 2026.