Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

110. To ask the Minister for Social Protection in relation to the humanitarian aid scheme arising from flooding in January and February 2014, if she will provide a breakdown, on a county basis, of the number of families assisted from this fund; if she will provide a breakdown of the moneys allocated to each county from the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21752/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government is the lead Department for severe weather emergencies and the Office of Public Works has responsibility for capital flood relief activities. However, the Department of Social Protection has an important role to play in assisting households in the immediate aftermath of emergency events such as the severe weather conditions experienced earlier this year.

The humanitarian assistance scheme, which is means tested, is available to assist people whose homes are damaged by flooding and who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and in some instances structural repair. The Government has not set a limit on the amount that can be paid to an individual household under this scheme nor is the financial provision apportioned on a county basis. Levels of payment depend on the relative severity of damage experienced and the household’s ability to meet these costs ensuring that the funding is appropriately targeted. Humanitarian assistance does not cover risks that are covered by insurance policies or cover business or commercial losses.

The following tabular statement showing the number of payments and the amounts paid under the humanitarian assistance scheme on a county basis for the period 1January 2014 to 9 May 2014.

Humanitarian Aid payments 2014 (as of 9 May 2014)