Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1156. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has plans to extend the domestic violence emergency rent supplement scheme into 2022 and onwards in view of rising figures in domestic violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40734/21]

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, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

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 on a pilot basis. 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 this protocol are additional and complementary to, and not a substitution for, the range of other supports already in place for victims of domestic violence.

There are currently 57 victims of domestic violence being supported with rent supplement under these arrangements.

Under the protocol, after six months period of support, it is expected that the customer will, if eligible, be able to migrate to 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 will be undertaken at that stage, 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.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.