Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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72. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to make rent supplement more easily available to victims of domestic violence. [18973/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Lead responsibility for the development and provision of services to support victims of domestic violence rests with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.  The co-ordination of the services addressing the needs of these customers is managed by The Child and Family Agency, Tusla. The accommodation needs of victims of domestic violence are met through this joined-up service delivery model provided by Tusla with the close involvement of the various housing authorities nationwide.

In response to a proposal from Safe Ireland, I am introducing a relaxation of the means-test normally required to qualify for Rent Supplement for victims of domestic violence.  This will include support with deposit payments and soft furnishings alongside their rental commitments.  The relaxed means test will apply for the initial three months.  After three months, the individual’s on-going entitlement will be reviewed in line with the current means-test applicable for the scheme. 

After six months, having applied to their local housing authority for an assessment of their housing needs, the claimant will, if eligible, be able to migrate to HAP or other social housing supports supported by their local authority.

A protocol is being finalised with Tusla to enable services funded by the agency, and Tulsa directly, to provide referrals to my Department.  The initial phase is set to go live over the coming weeks.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.