Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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665. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if his Department is reviewing the housing assistance payment and rent supplement rules to ensure victims of domestic violence are not penalised or displaced in tenancy disputes where barring or exclusion orders are in place. [52037/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The accommodation needs of victims of domestic violence are met through a joined-up service delivery model provided by Tusla with the close involvement of the various housing authorities nationwide.

The Rent Supplement scheme is administered by my Department. Access to Rent Supplement can be provided on referral by Tusla or by prescribed Tusla-funded service providers. This provides victims of domestic violence with a fast track approval and screening process with a simplified means test to get immediate access to Rent Supplement so that they are not prevented from leaving their home because of financial concerns.

The standard Rent Supplement means test does not apply to these applicants for an initial three-month period. After three months, a further three-month extension may be provided, subject to the usual Rent Supplement means assessment.

After six months, if the tenant has a long-term housing need, they can apply to their local housing authority for social housing supports and, if eligible, will be able to access the Housing Assistance Payment. As the Deputy may be aware, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is responsible for the Housing Assistance Payment.

It is worth noting that the Residential Tenancies Board are available to provide a dispute resolution service to tenants and landlords.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.