Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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21. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the total funding drawn down to assist victims of the recent flooding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6567/16]

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 flooding.

In early December 2015, the Department of Social Protection activated its humanitarian assistance scheme, administered by the local Community Welfare Service (CWS), to assist householders affected by flooding following the severe weather conditions.

Since December 2015, support has been provided under the scheme to 524 households with expenditure of over €888,000 with further claims being processed. The attached tabular statement provides a breakdown of payments with details given for counties with 20 or more cases.

The scheme is demand led and there can be a time lag between the flooding event and actual claims for longer term financial support to cover works such as plastering, dry-lining, relaying of floors, electrical re-wiring and painting. The Department continues to provide assistance towards structural works to restore homes to a habitable condition.

Humanitarian Assistance Payments by County (4December 2015 – 8 April 2016)