Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1148: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to compensate residents and farmers who were affected by flooding in the Shannon basin over the Christmas 2006 period; if it extends over the entire Shannon; the way claims for compensation may be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2332/07]

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1185: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the humanitarian aid provision his Department has put in place for the people of Crossmolina, County Mayo following the fall out of the December 2006 floods in the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2900/07]

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1186: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the humanitarian aid provision his Department has put in place for the people of The Neale, Cross and Kilmaine areas of County Mayo following the fall out of the Christmas 2006 floods in those areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2901/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1148, 1185 and 1186 together.

The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, which is administered by the Community Welfare Division of the Health Service Executive (HSE), is designed to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. Under the legislation governing the scheme, the Health Service Executive (HSE) may make an exceptional needs payment to people on social welfare or health board payments. This is a once-off payment to meet an unforeseen or special need that cannot be met from a person's basic income.

Assistance in the form of an Urgent Needs Payment (UNP) can be also made to persons who would not normally be entitled to SWA, to assist, for example in cases of flood damage, with immediate needs, such as food, clothing, fuel, household goods and perhaps shelter. Assistance can be provided in cash or in kind.

My Department's role in supporting the response to the recent flooding will primarily involve supporting the community welfare service in the provision of ENP and UNP funding in the short term and other supports where applicable to cater for the long term effects of the flooding. Any support given will relate to damage to a person's home or loss of essential items. It will not extend to business or commercial losses.

My Department, working through the HSE, has a role in providing immediate humanitarian aid in response to serious flooding incidents. It has no role in providing compensation for losses arising from such incidents. Local community welfare officers are available to provide assistance on an individual basis where that is warranted. If any person is experiencing hardship as a result of the recent flooding, they should contact their local Community Welfare Officer in the first instance.