Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if additional resources have been made available to community welfare officers in Health Service Executive west to administer the humanitarian assistance scheme for persons devastated by flood damage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45631/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I am assured by the HSE that Community Welfare Service staff, throughout the country, have been providing huge support to families every day since the flooding occurred. Community Welfare Service staff continue to work tirelessly on the ground in locations where flooding took place. Additional clinics have been arranged and emergency financial and other assistance has been made available to households including emergency accommodation. The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is being set up to provide means-tested financial support to people who have suffered damages to their homes. An initial sum of €10 million has been set aside by the Government for this purpose. The scheme is being administered by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

The level of payment available under the aid scheme to any qualified individual will depend on the severity of the damage to that person's home and the extent of the loss experienced as well as household income and general family circumstances. HSE West in Galway and Galway County Council have begun to contact people whose homes have been affected by the flooding in the county to establish their needs e.g. furniture, clothing and medicine. People who are experiencing hardship due to the unprecedented flooding in County Galway in recent days are encouraged to phone their local Community Welfare Officer in their local Health Centre and an appointment will be arranged as quickly as possible. There is no need to wait to see a CWO at a public clinic.

The HSE in Galway has set up a Counselling Helpline to assist people who have been affected by the stress of the recent flooding in Co. Galway. This Helpline is staffed by psychology and social work professionals. In addition, a separate HSE Information Line, telephone number 1800 283 036, has been established to advise people on the practical services that are available to assist them following the flooding in their particular county.