Minister Canney welcomes new housing protocol to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse
Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the introduction of a new protocol that will make it easier for victims and survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence to access social housing when they need to move to a different local authority area.
The new protocol means that people with an active social housing application who are forced to leave their home because of domestic abuse will be able to transfer the time they have already spent on a housing waiting list when applying in another local authority area, provided they continue to meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
The measure is a commitment under the Government’s Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025–2030 housing plan and has been developed following engagement between the Department of Housing, local authorities and Cuan, the national Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency.
Welcoming the new protocol, Minister Canney said: “Nobody should have to choose between their personal safety and the security of having a roof over their head. This new protocol removes an unnecessary barrier for people who are forced to leave their home because of domestic abuse and need to rebuild their lives in another part of the country.
“Until now, someone who had spent years on a housing waiting list could have faced starting all over again if they had to move to another local authority area. This new approach recognises the reality facing victims and survivors and ensures that the time they have already spent waiting for housing is not lost.
“It is a practical, compassionate measure that puts people first. It will help ensure that those escaping abusive situations can access housing supports more quickly while continuing to meet the normal eligibility requirements.”
Under the protocol, applicants will still be required to meet the social housing eligibility and housing need criteria of the receiving local authority and provide appropriate evidence that they are victims or survivors of domestic, sexual or gender-based violence. Local authorities will also have discretion to waive local connection requirements where appropriate.
The protocol will now be issued to all local authorities and will take effect immediately.