Galway to give free tax support to domestic violence survivors and lone parents in unique initiative
Galway is paving the way in empowering domestic violence survivors and lone parents through financial literacy by providing free, confidential tax support in the first initiative of its kind in Ireland.
The landmark programme called ‘Enabling Tax Literacy and Empowerment: Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities’ is hosted by Galway Public Libraries and the University of Galway Tax Clinic.
It will provide tax education for those represented in vulnerable groups with one-to-one consulting with tax advisors and supervised student volunteers. Support will be available at specific library branches around the country as well as optional online support that will assist in navigating the digital tax system.
“This marks a significant step forward in inclusive financial literacy,” said Eileen Ruane, Director of Services at Galway County Council. “Embedding tax education in trusted community spaces helps tackle financial abuse and economic exclusion while strengthening libraries’ role as hubs for lifelong learning.”
Several national strategies are marked with this initiative including the Zero Tolerance plan for domestic and gender-based violence and the Skills for Life programme in partnership with the national library strategy.
County Librarian Elizabeth Keane described the programme as a way of helping people “regain control over their financial lives in a safe, supportive environment”.
"This project is about more than taxes, it’s about empowerment,” she added. “By bringing professional tax guidance into our libraries, we are helping lone parents and survivors of domestic violence reclaim control over their finances, build confidence, and take ownership of their futures."
The tax clinic at the University of Galway is award-winning and the first voluntary clinic in Ireland that holds a primary focus in tax education and public engagement. Under supervision of pro bono tax professionals, University of Galway tax students provide support and services on their tax compliance.
This initiative marks the first in a series of projects aimed at promoting financial literacy and safer communities, with Galway leading the way toward a future national rollout. Recruitment is being handled through family resource centres, FLAC, INTREO and the library network itself.
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