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Gnáthamharc

Flood Relief.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2010

Thursday, 21 January 2010

Ceisteanna (253)

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

248 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount applied for by individuals, families or companies from the humanitarian fund in respect of the flooding in November 2009; the amount of money that has been given from the fund to individuals, families or companies to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2871/10]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In recognition of the devastation suffered by people in many areas of the country as a result of the flooding from November 2009 onwards the Government set up a Humanitarian Assistance Scheme to provide income tested financial support to people who have suffered damages to their homes not covered by insurance. An initial sum of €10 million has been set aside by the Government for this purpose.

Community Welfare Service staff throughout the country have been providing huge support to families since this flooding occurred. Up to the 15th January 2010 they had already made over 1,861 payments to 1,091 individuals to the value of €744,000. The average payment per individual is €680, with the largest payment to an individual in excess of €20,000. Initially, the vast bulk of applications for humanitarian assistance were for small amounts to assist with basics such as food, clothing, bedding, heating and the hire of dehumidifiers. As the flood waters began to recede in some areas and householders were able to assess the extent of damage to the contents of their homes, claims have been submitted and approved for items such as carpets, flooring, furniture and white goods.

While assistance is available for structural repairs to homes not covered by household insurance, very few large scale claims have been made at this stage. This is because homeowners have not yet established the cost of repair in many cases, for example because they are awaiting builder's estimates. As the flood waters have receded in most areas, individuals are now in a better position to assess the extent of the damage to their homes. It is expected that large scale claims will be received over the coming weeks.

Application forms and information about the Humanitarian Assistance Fund are available from the Department of Social and Family Affairs website, www.welfare.ie. This material is also available through the Citizens Information Service, and the HSE website (www.HSE.ie).

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