Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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190. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the compensation provided for food costs to households affected by storm Éowyn under the humanitarian assistance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4862/25]

Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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191. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the compensation provided for accommodation costs to households affected by storm Éowyn under the humanitarian assistance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4863/25]

Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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192. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will provide clear guidelines on what households affected by storm Éowyn can claim under the humanitarian assistance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4865/25]

Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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198. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if generator hire is covered under the humanitarian assistance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4967/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 190, 191, 192 and 198 together.

The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, administered by my department through the local Community Welfare Service, was activated on the 23rd January 2025 to assist householders across the country affected by Storm Éowyn.

The purpose of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is to provide 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.

This includes emergency support payments, under Stage 1 of the scheme, to households in the immediate aftermath of severe weather events for items such as essential food and clothing. These payments are not income tested and are based on the immediate need of the individuals impacted.

The scheme has supported the purchase of necessary items such as gas heaters, torches, and the hiring and running costs for domestic generators by people who did not have any power and/or water supply following Storm Éowyn.

In addition, a number of people in very challenging circumstances have been supported with the cost of alternative accommodation under Stage 1. The level of support provided reflects reasonable rates based on local cost availability.

Under Stages 2 and 3 of the scheme, support is available for the replacement of white goods and basic furniture and to repair damage to homes. Income limits for these supports are: €50,000 for a single person; €90,000 for a couple and €15,000 per dependent child.

Reduced or tapered levels of support may be provided in cases where a household‘s income is above these limits.

While there are no set limits for the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, the level of support provided should reflect reasonable rates as decided by Community Welfare Officers. The scheme is designed to provide hardship alleviation, as opposed to compensation. It does not pay for damage that is covered by insurance policies for example, spoiled freezer food, storm damage, nor does it cover commercial, agricultural, or business losses.

People who need assistance in the areas affected should contact their local Community Welfare Service by visiting their local Intreo Centre or Branch Office, phoning the Department at 0818 60 70 80 or emailing the Community Welfare Service at .

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.