Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2014
108. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details of the flood relief fund that was established in response to the flooding event of June 2012; if she will specify the amount of money that was paid out under the fund; if applications are still being accepted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3073/14]
View answerIn recognition of the devastation that the flooding event of June 2012 brought to homes and families in various parts of Cork, the Government announced the extension of the humanitarian assistance scheme, which was approved by Government in November 2009, to assist the affected householders.
The Government authorised spending of up to €10 million in humanitarian assistance to households affected by flooding. The total spend to date is some €2.2 million. This spending refers to this Department only and does not include spending from other Government Departments or Agencies which has been significant. Following the June 2012 flooding, 123 payments were made to affected householders in the Cork area to the value of approximately €150,000.
The humanitarian assistance scheme, which is means tested, provides emergency financial assistance to households who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs in the period immediately following flooding. The aim of the scheme is to provide financial support to people who have suffered damage to their homes and in doing so provide hardship alleviation, as opposed to full compensation. Repairs for structural damage caused as a result of the flooding can also be considered under the scheme. The Government has not set a limit on the amount that can be paid to an individual household under this scheme. Levels of payment depend on the relative severity of damage experienced and the household’s ability to meet these costs ensuring that the funding is appropriately targeted. Humanitarian assistance does not cover risks that are covered by insurance policies or cover business or commercial losses.
Any person continuing to experience hardship as a result of the flooding event of June 2012, or as a result of the recent severe weather conditions, should contact the Department’s local representative administering the supplementary welfare allowance scheme who may be able to offer assistance.
