Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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600. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to grants that are available to domestic abuse victims who are being housed in temporary supported housing which help towards the cost of furnishings and other goods needed for the accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50497/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of domestic, sexual and gender based violence whether in the context of the family or otherwise. At all times, Tusla’s key priority is to ensure that the needs of victims of domestic violence are being met in the best way possible.

In 2017, I provided Tusla with funding of over €22 million for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services. This represented an increase of €1.5 million over 2016. Arising from Budget 2018, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a further increase in funding of €1.7 million is being provided to Tusla next year for these services.

Tusla does not provide dedicated grant funding to individuals affected by domestic violence who are residing in temporary accommodation. Tusla funded organisations supporting victims of domestic violence would be aware of the different grants available and would advise clients on making applications. Application for such grants or payments are a matter for the individuals concerned.

I am advised that the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, may make a single Exceptional Needs Payment (ENP) to help meet essential expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. The ENP scheme is demand led and provides assistance to those with exceptional needs, taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance. Any persons who consider that they have an entitlement to an ENP under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme should contact their local Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection INTREO centre.