Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021
558. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports available from her Department for persons who have had to leave their homes due to flooding; the way such assistance can be obtained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11795/21]
View answer559. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will open the humanitarian flood support scheme for weather events in February 2021 (details supplied). [11803/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 558 and 559 together.
The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government is the lead Department for severe weather emergencies and the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for capital flood relief activities. However, my Department has an important role to play in assisting households in the immediate aftermath of emergency events, such as flooding, under the humanitarian assistance scheme.
The purpose of the humanitarian assistance scheme is to provide income-tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged and who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and in some instances structural repair.
Emergency financial support payments to cover essential items such as food, clothing and personal items are issued quickly in the immediate aftermath of the weather event. Supports towards the replacement of white goods, basic furniture items and other essential household items may take longer as it is not until the flood water abates and houses dry out that the full extent of the damage to homes becomes known. The longer term supports can cover remedial works such as plastering, relaying of floors, electrical re-wiring and painting and it can take several months before this stage of the response is completed.
My Department has activated the humanitarian assistance scheme, administered by the local Community Welfare Service (CWS), to assist any householders affected by flooding in the area surrounding Lough Funshinagh in Co. Roscommon.
Any person whose home becomes affected by flooding in the area surrounding Lough Funshinagh in Co. Roscommon can contact the local Community Welfare Service at intreoroscommon@welfare.ie or at 090-6632900 to discuss their situation.
With regard to the flooding incident in Fermoy, Tracie Williams, the Department’s Area Manager in the area, has been in contact with Cork County Council who have advised that the flooding has impacted mainly businesses rather than residential properties in Fermoy.
Any person whose home was affected by the flooding in Fermoy can contact the local Community Welfare Service at cwsmallow@welfare.ie or at 076-6285200 to discuss their situation.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputies.
