Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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507. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if payments associated with the humanitarian assistance scheme for victims of flooding can be paid directly to the flood victim or if they must be paid directly to a builder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13467/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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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 544 households with expenditure of over €1.27 million. The records available show that 90% of payments under the humanitarian assistance scheme since December 2015 have been made to the applicant with 10% paid to a nominated payee. Social welfare regulations provide for the payment to be made to a nominated payee on behalf of the customer. This arrangement is entered at the customer’s request and subject to the consent of the Department.

If the Deputy has a query regarding a specific case, he should provide the details for review by the Department.