Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

228. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the humanitarian assistance scheme, or other financial assistance, is available to those requiring tree removal necessitated by the impact of storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5317/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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.

My department provides assistance to households in the immediate aftermath of severe weather events under Stage 1 of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme. This includes emergency support payments for items such as essential food and clothing in the immediate aftermath of the event. These payments are not income tested and are based on the immediate need of impacted individuals.

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.

The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme does not pay for the costs of removing fallen tress, damage that is covered by insurance policies - for example, spoiled freezer food, storm damage, nor does it cover commercial, agricultural, or business losses.

However, under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources.

Payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.

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.

People who need assistance in the areas affected should contact their local Community Welfare Service by visiting their local Intreo Centre or Branch Office, or phoning the Department at 0818 60 70 80. In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.