Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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It is primarily the insurance industry’s role to insure people's homes against damage and most policies are fully covered in terms of lightning strikes. The insured person should make certain that they have adequate insurance in place to cover any claim for damages, given the rising building costs. It would not be correct for the Government or the taxpayer to displace the role of insurance companies.

However, under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my Department can make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income.

The decision process involves consideration of the need presented and the ability of the person and their household to meet that need.

This entails an assessment, as opposed to a specific means test, of an applicant’s weekly household income, their savings and investments, their outgoings and the type of assistance needed. Other State supports that may already be available to the person are also considered.

There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.