Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 May 2012
89 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Social Protection the mechanism for appeal for those who applied for funding from the humanitarian assistance fund set up after the floods of October 2011, and the qualifying criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23216/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the immediate aftermath of the severe flooding experienced in October 2011, the Government put in place a humanitarian assistance scheme to assist households affected by that flooding. The scheme, which is means tested, is available to people whose homes were damaged in the flooding and who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and in some instances structural repair as a result of the flooding damage.
The humanitarian assistance scheme is a non-statutory scheme and is not covered under social welfare legislation. It is one of a number of social welfare schemes which operates on an administrative basis. Administrative schemes are not appealable under social welfare legislation. However, where a person is dissatisfied with a decision they can request to have their case reviewed by another officer. This review will be carried out by an officer not involved in the original decision.
