Ann Graves (Dublin Fingal East, Sinn Fein)
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365. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the financial supports in place for male victims of domestic violence whose domestic abuse payment cease soon. [67437/25]

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 Cuan with the close involvement of the various housing authorities nationwide. These services were formerly under the remit of Tusla.

The Rent Supplement scheme is administered by my Department. Access to Rent Supplement can be provided by Cuan-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.

A list of national and local service providers for victim-survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence can be found on www.alwayshere.ie.

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.

Furthermore, my Department may provide financial assistance under Additional Needs Payments to assist those who have essential expenses, such as rent deposits, rent in advance and household bills, that they cannot pay from their weekly income at this time.

A key Programme for Government commitment is to “Examine how the social protection system can better support people fleeing domestic violence”. I am very aware that my Department has a role to play in supporting victims of domestic violence and my officials continue to engage with Cuan to examine how we can improve the services available to such victims.

If the Deputy has concerns about a particular case, I would ask her to bring it to the attention of my Department.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.