Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Murnane O'Connor for raising this issue. 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 the protocol are additional and complementary to, and not a substitution for, the range of other supports already in place for victims of domestic violence.

Currently, 52 victims of domestic violence are being supported with rent supplement under these arrangements. Under the protocol, after six months of support, it is expected that the customer will, if eligible, be able to migrate to housing assistance payment, 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 2021. A review of the pilot is currently under way, 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. The service has been successfully delivered and is available nationally with active tenancies using the protocol in nearly all counties.

See this speech in context