Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 January 2024
228. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the total amount of financial aid paid out by the Department to date under the scheme to assist those affected by flooding in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2222/24]
View answerThe Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is the lead Department for severe weather emergencies. My Department provides assistance to eligible households in the immediate aftermath of emergency weather events under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme.
The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, administered by my Department through the local Community Welfare Service, was activated to assist householders affected by a number of recent weather events across the Country. This scheme remains open to those affected by these weather events to apply for assistance.
The purpose of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is to provide income- tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged and who are not able to meet costs for essential needs, household items and, in some instances, structural repair.
The income test for Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is more generous than that which applies in the case of social welfare schemes generally. The basic principle of the income test is that individuals and families with average levels of income will qualify for assistance (including non-Social Welfare recipients).
During 2023, some 1,100 payments have been made nationally to members of the public under the scheme, with a provisional total expenditure of just over €1.96 million. These figures represent a snapshot of claims as they are approved by an officer rather than when they are paid and are subject to revision.
If any household affected by the severe weather events in 2023 needs to access these supports, they can contact the Community Welfare Service by phoning 0818 60 70 80.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
