Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2018
81. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she is satisfied with the operation of the humanitarian assistance scheme; the number of persons that applied for assistance following storm Eleanor; the amount awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8348/18]
View answerThe Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government is the lead Department for severe weather emergencies and the Office of Public Works has responsibility for capital flood relief activities. My Department has an important role to play in assisting households in the immediate aftermath of emergency events. My Department immediately activated the humanitarian assistance scheme, administered by the local Community Welfare Service (CWS), to assist householders affected by flooding following storm Eleanor. I am satisfied that the local CWS is best placed to work with householders in response to emergency events.
The purpose of the humanitarian assistance scheme is to prevent hardship by providing income tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged from flooding and who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and structural repair. The Government has not set a limit on the amount that can be paid under this scheme.
In dealing with emergency events, my Department adopts the following approach:
- Stage 1 is to provide emergency income support payments (including food, clothing and personal items) in the immediate aftermath of the event.
- Stage 2 involves the replacement of white goods, basic furniture items and other essential items.
- Stage 3 is to identify what longer term financial support or works are required, including plastering, painting and relaying of floors.
The scheme is demand led and in the aftermath of storm Eleanor, officials have provided financial support to a small number of affected households (15 in total) primarily in the Galway area, who have engaged with the Department. Latest figures show that over €23,000 has been paid to these households. A further four households have recently sought financial assistance and these applications are being considered. This particular storm impacted mainly business rather than residential properties. Humanitarian support is provided to those businesses affected by the Department of Defence.
Householders seeking assistance under the humanitarian assistance scheme should contact my Department.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
