Cavan-Monaghan TD Brendan Smith has welcomed the changes announced today by the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to the Rent Supplement scheme which makes it more easily available to victims of domestic violence.
The Fianna Fail TD had raised this important issue in Dáil debates with the Minister for Justice and with Minister for Social Protection.
The changes will enable victims of domestic violence to get immediate access to Rent Supplement for a three month period to ensure that they are not prevented from leaving their home because of financial worries. The usual means test for Rent Supplement will not apply for this three month period.
The Deputy also said that the increase in domestic violence over recent months is a further worrying development and shows clearly the urgent need to provide adequate supports in a timely manner for victims.
He also called to see much needed progress in providing refuge accommodation in areas such as Cavan and Monaghan.
