Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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191. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will engage with the Minister for Social Protection to consider the introduction of a dedicated 'safe fund', similar to the fleeing fund in the UK, to provide immediate financial assistance to victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence who need to leave abusive situations; if this measure can be considered as part of Budget 2026 to ensure that victims have access to emergency cash payments for essential items such as clothing, food, transport or temporary accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40170/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I am committed to a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) and to ensuring that victims of these crimes have access to the supports that they need.

A central element of delivering on the Zero Tolerance goal of the Third National Strategy was the establishment, in January 2024, of Cuan, the statutory domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) agency.

Cuan has a specific mandate to drive the implementation of the strategy across Government, bringing the expertise and focus required to tackle this complex social issue.

As part of this work, there is a specific action relating to the provision of rent supplement, for which the Department of Social Protection is the lead Department. My Department is engaging with the Department of Social Protection on this action and any related actions that may arise, to ensure a coordinated and effective response.