Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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260. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the assistance available to old age pensioners who had their fuel sheds destroyed in a recent storm; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14788/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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A humanitarian assistance scheme was approved by Government in November 2009. The scheme, which is means tested, is available to assist people whose homes are damaged by severe weather and who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and in some instances structural repair. The humanitarian assistance scheme covers damage to a person's home therefore assistance toward the replacement of fuel sheds would not generally be appropriate under this scheme. Assistance towards the cost of fuel destroyed as a result of the severe weather would be considered under the scheme. It is recommended that the persons involved contact their local Department of Social Protection representative administering the humanitarian assistance scheme to discuss their specific circumstances.