Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 July 2021
128. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she plans to extend provision of rent supplement for survivors of domestic abuse beyond 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35180/21]
View answer152. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will further extend the domestic violence emergency rent supplement scheme past the end of 2021 and consider continuing the scheme on a permanent basis in a post-Covid Ireland. [35377/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 152 together.
Lead responsibility for the development and provision of services to support victims of domestic violence rests with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. In August 2020, I agreed a protocol with Tusla on a pilot basis to make rent supplement more easily accessible to victims of domestic violence. This seeks to ensure that victims of domestic violence are not prevented from leaving their home because of financial or accommodation difficulties. The arrangements in this protocol are additional and complementary to, and not a substitution for, the range of other supports already in place for victims of domestic violence. There are currently 62 victims of domestic violence being supported with rent supplement under these arrangements. Under the protocol, after six months period of support, it is expected that the customer will, if eligible, be able to migrate to HAP or other social housing supports supported by their local authority. In line with the National Economic Recovery Plan, these special arrangements for victims of domestic abuse will remain in place at least until the end of the year. A review of the pilot will be undertaken at that stage, involving key stakeholders, to determine whether the provision of rent supplement to victims of domestic violence should be extended and to take on board any lessons learned. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
