Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Conor McGuinness, has welcomed the introduction of the new social housing passport protocol, which will allow victims of domestic abuse to retain their place on the social housing waiting list when moving to another local authority area for safety.
McGuinness said:
“This is a positive and long-overdue change that Sinn Féin has been calling for over many years.
“Until now, people fleeing domestic abuse often faced the impossible choice of remaining in danger or losing the years they had already spent waiting for social housing if they moved to another county. That was an unacceptable barrier.
“The new protocol means that survivors can move to safety without sacrificing their accumulated waiting time on the housing list. That is a significant improvement and will make a real difference to people’s lives.
“Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence. It can include emotional, psychological, sexual and financial abuse, as well as coercive control, which is now recognised as a criminal offence in Ireland. No one should ever feel trapped in an abusive relationship because they fear losing access to housing.
“The priority now must be ensuring that every local authority, including Waterford City and County Council, implements the new protocol quickly, consistently and without unnecessary bureaucracy. People in crisis cannot afford delays.
“While this is welcome progress, much more remains to be done. We need sustained political commitment to tackle both the housing crisis and domestic abuse. Survivors deserve access to safe housing, effective supports and a justice system that protects them. This reform represents important progress following longstanding campaigning by Sinn Féin and others, but it must be part of a much broader effort to address both of these serious issues.”
Anyone affected by domestic abuse or seeking advice or support can contact the Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900or Oasis House, Waterford on 051 370367.
Anyone in immediate danger should call 999 or 112 and ask for An Garda Síochána.
Conor D. McGuinness TD 