From next week, survivors of domestic violence and their dependants will be able to access a new free travel support scheme aimed at removing one of the practical barriers that can prevent people from leaving abusive situations.
Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary is expected to brief Cabinet colleagues on the initiative, which will be delivered through community welfare supports and frontline services such as women’s refuges. The scheme will provide non-means-tested assistance for an initial three-month period, with the option of extending support for a further three months where necessary. Payments will be tailored to each person’s individual circumstances and travel needs.
Announcing the measure, Calleary said that deciding to leave an abusive relationship is never straightforward and that costs associated with transport should never stand in the way of someone reaching safety. He added that the new supports are intended to make an immediate and meaningful difference to those in crisis, while ensuring access is straightforward and free from unnecessary bureaucracy.
The scheme is due to begin on 5 May. It follows campaigning on the issue by Patricia Stephenson, who introduced a private members’ bill seeking similar supports. After discussions with Stephenson, Calleary agreed that action was needed, although he concluded that legislation was not required in order to establish the scheme. He also acknowledged her role in bringing attention to the issue.
When first launching her proposal last October, Stephenson highlighted the financial hardship often faced by those escaping abuse. She said many survivors, particularly women, can be pushed into poverty after leaving violent partners. In some cases, women may need to move into refuges far from their workplace, children’s schools, healthcare providers or legal services. The cost of travelling to maintain employment, education, counselling appointments or court proceedings can create serious financial pressure during an already traumatic time.
Separately, Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris will present Cabinet with proposed legal changes to introduce a statutory “right to disregard” for cancer survivors applying for mortgage protection insurance. Under the proposals, individuals who have been cancer-free for five years would no longer have to disclose certain aspects of their diagnosis or treatment history. This shortens the current waiting period from seven years.
The maximum mortgage protection cover eligible under the scheme would also rise from €500,000 to €650,000. Officials estimate the revised remission period could allow an additional 139 cancer survivors each year to benefit from the change. The legislation is expected to pass through the Oireachtas before the summer recess and would replace the existing voluntary code of practice.
Cabinet is also expected to approve final details of the Fuel Support Subsidy Scheme for farmers, fishing operators, farm contractors, construction contractors and quarry truck drivers, with the measure likely to be finalised in the coming days.
