Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1274. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who have availed of the reformed access to rent supplement for persons experiencing domestic violence from August 2020 to date by county in tabular form; the number of current beneficiaries by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41171/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
There are 35 victims of domestic violence currently being supported under the Protocol, with 228 cases supported since the Protocol came into operation in August 2020.
Table 1 - The number accessing support by county to date and the current recipients by county.
|
County |
Number of Beneficiaries (August 2020 to date) |
Number of Current Recipients |
|
Carlow |
7 |
2 |
|
Cavan |
7 |
4 |
|
Clare |
10 |
2 |
|
Cork |
35 |
4 |
|
Donegal |
8 |
2 |
|
Dublin |
32 |
8 |
|
Galway |
20 |
1 |
|
Kerry |
8 |
2 |
|
Kildare |
4 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
2 |
1 |
|
Laois |
6 |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
2 |
1 |
|
Limerick |
3 |
0 |
|
Longford |
6 |
0 |
|
Louth |
4 |
1 |
|
Mayo |
12 |
0 |
|
Meath |
1 |
0 |
|
Monaghan |
4 |
1 |
|
Offaly |
11 |
0 |
|
Roscommon |
10 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
8 |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
11 |
2 |
|
Waterford |
6 |
2 |
|
Wexford |
6 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
5 |
1 |
|
Total |
228 |
35 |
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
