Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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244. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details of the flood relief fund that was established in response to the flooding event of June 2012; the amount of money that was paid out under the fund, showing separately the amounts paid in respect of residential units and commercial units; if applications are still being accepted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12027/15]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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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 flooding and the severe weather.

A humanitarian assistance scheme was approved by Government in response to flooding which occurred in the Cork area in June 2012. The scheme, which is means tested, is available to people whose homes were damaged and who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and in some instances structural repair as a result of the flooding and severe weather damage. The purpose of the scheme is to assist households only and not to cover any commercial or business losses.

Following the flooding in Cork in June 2012 over €144,700 was paid to householders who were affected with payments made during 2012 and 2013.

While it would be unusual to receive new applications in respect of flooding that occurred in June 2012, if the Deputy is aware of any person who requires assistance under the humanitarian assistance scheme they should be advised to contact the Community Welfare Service.