Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

133. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will consider a provision to allow individuals in exceptional circumstance applying for a means tested payment to be assessed without their partner's income, in particular in cases of domestic abuse where a person may be trying to save money to leave their partner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62243/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a major 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 vital for safeguarding individuals and promoting a safer society. We will ensure the implementation of the actions in the Zero Tolerance Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence and develop a successor strategy.

While many of the Programme for Government commitments fall within the remit of my colleague 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 also includes 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.

My Department already has provisions in places in the Rent Supplement Scheme to assist those fleeing domestic violence. Access to Rent Supplement is via a fast-track approval process to assist with short term accommodation needs. The standard Rent Supplement means test does not apply 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. The simplified means test ensures immediate access to this support.

I will ask my Department officials to consider the proposal outlined by the Deputy. Any prospective changes to means testing arrangements will have to be considered in both an overall policy and budgetary context.

John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

134. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of families currently in receipt of the working family payment; the number of recipients per family size; the average payment made per family, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62172/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Working Family Payment is a weekly in-work support which provides an income support for employees on low earnings with children. To qualify for Working Family Payment, the customer must be working a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight in ongoing insurable employment and have at least one qualified child who normally resides with them.

Please see below table provided with breakdown of Working Family Payment recipients by family size and average weekly rate of payment at the end of October 2025.