40. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on his plans for making social protection supports more accessible to victims fleeing domestic violence. [31090/26]

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.

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 already has provisions in place in the Rent Supplement Scheme to assist those fleeing domestic violence. In such circumstances the 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.

Building on this initiative, officials in my Department have been engaging with stakeholders exploring options as to how we can best support the travel needs of people fleeing domestic violence. As a result, I am pleased to introduce a new Travel Supplement protocol for victims of domestic violence. This will ensure that those fleeing domestic violence have the necessary financial support to meet their immediate travel needs.

Mirroring the rent supplement scheme approach, my Department will provide a travel supplement to those fleeing domestic violence without the need for a means test during the first three months. After the first three months have passed, a person may be provided with a further three-month extension of the Travel Supplement; subject to the usual means assessment. This new supplement will be available from Tuesday the 5th of May.

My Department will continue to prioritise this area of its work, and will continue to engage with stakeholders and take on board lessons from other jurisdictions, to deliver on this very important commitment.