Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

My understanding is that support is there for people in the first instance if it is needed for specific issues. In my constituency I know of cases where specific equipment was needed quickly and the relieving officers were able to provide it quickly. The humanitarian assistance scheme is intended for people who have no insurance, or did not pay their insurance premiums. My understanding is that the Department of Social Protection will progress those applications as soon as possible, on a means tested basis. We would encourage people, in the first instance to go to their insurers and draw down funds, given that they have been paying premiums for years.