Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2023
471. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection the total annual number of victims of domestic violence who received rent supplement from 2020 to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26104/23]
View answerThe accommodation needs of victims of domestic violence are met through a joined-up service delivery model provided by Tusla with the close involvement of the various housing authorities nationwide. Access to Rent Supplement can be provided on referral by Tusla or by prescribed Tusla-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.The standard rent supplement means test does not apply to these applicants for an initial three month period. After three months, a further three month extension may be provided, subject to the usual rent supplement means assessment. After six months, if the tenant has a long-term housing need, they can apply to their local housing authority for social housing supports and, if eligible, will be able to access the Housing Assistance Payment, a social housing support provided by Local Authorities. Access to rent supplement is additional and complementary to the range of other supports already in place for victims of domestic violence.
In the period since August 2020, 293 victims of domestic violence have been supported with rent supplement under the protocol. There are 17 victims of domestic violence currently being supported under the Protocol, with a further 36 victims of domestic violence being supported on rent supplement subject to the standard rent supplement means assessment and eligibility criteria, following the initial period of support under the protocol.
Table 1 shows the total number accessing rent supplement support under the domestic violence protocol from August 2020 to date in 2023 by year.
Table 1 - The total number accessing rent supplement support under the domestic violence protocol from August 2020 to date in 2023 by year.
|
Year |
Total Number of Recipients |
|
2020 |
51 |
|
2021 |
127 |
|
2022 |
93 |
|
2023 |
22 |
|
Total |
293 |
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
