Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 July 2012
387 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is satisfied with the mechanism available through the community welfare officer for the payment of assistance to flood victims; and her views on whether the assessment mechanism is an excessively onerous procedure for the victims to have to go through at this time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36513/12]
View answerI am satisfied that the community based welfare service is best placed in providing assistance, key information, advice, advocacy and referral links between agencies specifically in response to events such as the recent flooding in Cork. Designated officers (former Community Welfare Officers) play a vital role in providing a responsive and flexible approach to provide individuals with exceptional and urgent needs payments to offset immediate needs, such as assistance with the purchase of food, clothing, fuel and household goods.
In the immediate aftermath of the flooding in Cork, a number of Community Welfare Service clinics extended their services to provide additional emergency support to those affected, made home visits, and provided payments in a responsive and flexible manner. While normal clinics have now resumed, affected persons who are unable to attend their local clinic can request house calls and/or make appointments with Departmental staff to discuss their ongoing needs.
In addition, officials from the Community Welfare Service are liaising with the Red Cross, the Garda, businesses and other parties who have offered assistance to those affected. Through this cross-disciplinary approach, appropriate supports are being made available to those in need as swiftly as possible.
In recognition of the severity of the recent flooding in Cork, the Government has established a Humanitarian Assistance Scheme. The scheme, which is means tested, is intended to provide emergency financial assistance to households who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs in the period immediately following flooding. Persons seeking assistance under this scheme must complete an application form and are required to include information such as evidence of household income, estimates for repairs or replacement, details of insurance policy, invoices/receipts and any other information in support of their claim. This information is required so that each case can be fully investigated and that all cases are dealt with in a consistent and fair manner whilst ensuring that the funding is being appropriately targeted to assist those householders most affected.
People seeking assistance or requiring assistance in completing applications forms for the humanitarian assistance scheme should contact their local Department of Social Protection representative. Further information and applications forms are available on the Department's website (http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/SupplementaryWelfareAllowance/Pages/HumanitarianAidScheme.aspx).
