Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is the lead Department for severe weather emergencies. My Department provides assistance to eligible households in the immediate aftermath of emergency weather events under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme.

The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, administered by my Department through the local Community Welfare Service, was activated to assist householders affected by a number of recent weather events across the country. This scheme remains open to those affected by these weather events to apply for assistance.

The purpose of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is to provide income-tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged and who are not able to meet costs for essential needs, household items and, in some instances, structural repair. The objective of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is to support those affected by these events to return their homes to a habitable condition.

The income test for the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is more generous than that which applies in the case of social welfare schemes generally. The basic principle of the income test is that individuals and families with average levels of income will qualify for assistance (including non-Social Welfare recipients).

Statistics are maintained by County on the number of payments made on the scheme. Since Storm Debi which occurred on 13th November 2023, some 60 payments have been made to members of the public in County Galway up to the week ending 10th February 2024, totalling just over €56,000.

If any household affected by Storm Debi in Co. Galway needs to access these supports, they can contact the Community Welfare Service by phoning 0818 60 70 80.