Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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109. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the measures his Department are currently examining to better support victims of domestic violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62156/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a priority for the Government. The Programme for Government includes a number of commitments in this regard. Establishing a zero-tolerance approach to domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence is essential for safeguarding individuals and promoting a safer society.

My Department already has provisions in place in the Rent Supplement Scheme to assist those fleeing domestic violence. In such circumstances the standard Rent Supplement means test does not apply for an initial three-month period. Access to this support is instead via a fast-track approval process to assist with immediate accommodation needs.

While many of the Programme for Government commitments fall within the remit the Minister for Justice and other Ministers, this is an issue that requires a whole of Government approach. For that reason, the Programme for Government included a commitment to “examine how the social protection system can better support people fleeing domestic violence.”

My Department will progress this work, including exploring options as to how we can support the travel needs of people fleeing domestic violence. Officials undertaking this work will engage with stakeholders and will take on board lessons from other jurisdictions.