Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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79. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide compensation measures for home owners in County Donegal to assist with the financial impact of recent flood damage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44682/15]

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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80. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure emergency funds are put in place following the flooding in Athlone, County Westmeath to support those who have had damage caused to their properties. [44744/15]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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81. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if, in the context of the severe flooding that has caused huge damage to dwelling houses in the Athlone area of County Westmeath, and especially in Parnell Square, Deerpark, the Strand and Clonbonney areas, the level of assistance that can be provided to those persons who have been forced to evacuate their homes due to the severe flooding as a result of the rising levels of the River Shannon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45403/15]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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138. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the level of assistance she provides under the emergency flood relief scheme; if she will provide a helpline to enable speedy access to the financial assistance that is urgently required, given that residents in these flood-prone areas are losing all their possessions, including their dwelling houses and accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45402/15]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 to 81, inclusive, and 138 together.

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.

The Department of Social Protection (DSP) has activated its Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, administered by the local Community Welfare Service (CWS), to assist householders affected by the current weather conditions. The situation in all affected areas, including Athlone and Donegal, is being monitored and CWS staff are engaging with the local authorities and other agencies to ensure supports are being provided to those affected as swiftly as possible. Staff are assessing and meeting the demand for assistance by the public as the needs arise and are visiting the homes of persons affected.

In dealing with emergency events of this nature, the DSP generally adopts a three stage approach as follows:

- Stage 1 is to provide emergency income support payments (food, clothing and personal items) in the immediate aftermath of the event. A relatively small amount of financial assistance is generally provided initially with payments around the country ranging from €100 to €500 depending on family size;

- Stage 2 generally involves the replacement of white goods, basic furniture items and other essential household items. It is not until the flood water abates and houses dry out that the full extent of the damage to homes will become known;

Stage 3 is to identify what longer term financial support or works are required. It could take several months before this stage of response commences and this involves a cross Departmental/Agency response. Works carried out can include plastering, dry-lining, relaying of floors, electrical re-wiring and painting.

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 means assessment for Humanitarian Assistance is more generous than that applied under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme in general. For example, a family consisting of a couple and two children with a gross household income of €70,000 or less will receive 100% of the amount allowable in respect of their application. For each whole €1,000 of household income above the €70,000 the couple will be required to make a personal contribution of 1% toward the amount allowable. The amount allowable in any particular case refers to the amount the officer administering the scheme determines is required to replace essential losses and to make any essential repairs.

The Government has not set a limit on the amount that can be paid to an individual household under this scheme. Levels of payment depend on the relative severity of damage experienced and the household's ability to meet these costs.

The current situation in Athlone is being reviewed and assessed by local CWS officials on an ongoing basis. The Department's input is being co-ordinated with the other emergency services at a local level including Westmeath County Council in ensuring that those who require assistance as a result of the flooding can access CWS services as required. Emergency CWS clinics have been established in Grace Park Road Athlone, operating mornings and afternoons.

Similarly, officials in County Donegal have been in contact with individuals who have suffered damages following flooding and a small number of claims have been made.

People seeking assistance under the scheme should contact their local DSP Intreo Centre or CWS office who will be able to offer assistance. Department contact phone numbers for persons in affected areas are available on the Department's website, as follows: