Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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14. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the supports and resources available to those affected by flooding; the efforts she is making to assist them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1191/16]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, 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 flooding

The Department has activated its humanitarian assistance scheme, which is means tested, administered by the local Community Welfare Service (CWS) to assist affected householders. I can assure the Deputy that the necessary CWS staff are in place who are engaging with local authorities and emergency personnel to ensure supports are provided to those affected as swiftly as possible. Department staff are proactive in assessing and meeting the demand for assistance through the establishment of emergency clinics and home visits.

Emergency payments have already been made to 270 households with expenditure of over €235,000, with further claims being processed presently. These are mainly payments covering essential clothing, food, toiletries, meals for families relocated to emergency accommodation and fuel costs. It is expected that the number of claims will increase in coming weeks, including the replacement of furniture and white goods and longer term financial supports.

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 severity of damage experienced and the household’s ability to meet these costs.

Householders requiring assistance under the scheme should contact their local Department office for assistance. Contact phone numbers for affected areas are available on the Department’s website, .