Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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489. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made for an exceptional needs’ payment for a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4269/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department has been and will continue to support the people affected by the explosion in Creeslough.  Emergency payments issued over the days immediately following the event related mainly to the purchase of items such as clothing and toiletries.  Further payments were made towards transport costs, replacement of items destroyed in the explosion and assistance with the purchase of items for new accommodation.

An official from my Department has been in contact with the family of the person concerned on a number of occasions including at the Dunfanaghy Intreo Centre. 

My Department has been advised that the family is currently living in fully furnished accommodation.

The person’s application is currently being considered under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme.  The purpose of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is to provide income-tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged and who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs.  A delay has arisen due to the complexity of this case.  However, I am advised that a decision will be made on this application shortly.

My Department is fully involved in the local response and continues to be available to support the people of Creeslough.

I trust this clarifies the matter.