Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2023
378. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will give a commitment to processing humanitarian assistance scheme applications as expeditiously as possible following the recent and devastating floods in Cork city and county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46679/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra379. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will give a commitment to enhancing the scope of the humanitarian assistance scheme following the recent and devastating floods in Cork city and county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46699/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 378 and 379 together.
The 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 severe weather events under the humanitarian assistance scheme.
The humanitarian assistance scheme, administered by the local Community Welfare Service was activated to assist any householders affected by Storm Babet. This scheme is open to households affected.
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.
• Assistance is not available under the scheme for losses which are already covered by insurance.
• The scheme does not cover commercial, agricultural, or business losses.
• Any additional properties that are not occupied and lived in as the applicant’s primary residence are not covered.
Following a severe weather event Community Welfare Staff closely monitor the situation on the ground and engage with the relevant local authorities and other agencies. Emergency clinics may be opened, and home visits undertaken.
In dealing with emergency events the Department generally adopts a three-stage approach as follows:
• Stage 1 provides emergency income support payments (food/clothing/personal items) in the immediate aftermath of the event.
• Stage 2 involves the replacement of white goods, basic furniture items and other essential household items.
• Stage 3 is to identify what longer term financial support is required, including plastering, dry-lining, relaying of floors, electrical re-wiring and painting.
My Community Welfare Staff are currently on the ground offering Stage 1 financial assistance and advice to those living in the affected areas and this will continue into the weekend.
Levels of payment under the scheme depend on the relative severity of damage experienced and the household’s ability to meet these costs ensuring that the funding is appropriately targeted.
The income test for humanitarian assistance is more generous than that which applies in the case of social welfare schemes generally. 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.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the humanitarian assistance scheme is kept under review to ensure that it continues to provide a timely response to support those most in need of assistance.
If any homeowner affected by Storm Babet 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.
