Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020
521. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the support available to householders whose houses were flooded to support them in the aftermath of the recent floods in Clifden, County Galway; the means assessment and conditions that apply to aid given; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24060/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra527. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection the financial assistance available to persons affected by severe flooding in the Skibbereen, Bantry and Bandon areas of County Cork during August 2020; the way in which such supports can be accessed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24184/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra528. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection the financial assistance available to persons affected by severe flooding in County Cork during August 2020; the way in which such supports can be accessed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24185/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 521, 527 and 528 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.
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, if any, longer term financial support or works are required, including plastering, painting and relaying of floors.
The income test for humanitarian assistance is significantly more generous than that which applies in the case of means-tested 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. For example, a family consisting of a couple and two children with a gross household income of €70,000 or less will receive 100% of the amount allowable in respect of their application. A reduced or tapered level of support can be provided in cases where such families have income more than €70,000. The income test determines the household’s ability to meet the costs of restoring its home to a habitable condition.
The scheme is available to provide support to householders following the recent flooding events, including in respect of flooding in West Cork and Clifden, Co Galway. The Community Welfare Service has been engaging with a small number of households that have sought assistance.
If any homeowner affected by the recent flooding needs to access these supports, they should make contact with their local Community Welfare Service at the Intreo Centre in Clifden, or for Cork households, the contact details are 028-21047 or corkswa2020@welfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.
