Martin Daly (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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96. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the humanitarian assistance available to those impacted by Storm Éowyn in Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8383/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is the term used to describe urgent and exceptional needs payments made via the Community Welfare Service to affected households in the period immediately after an emergency event such as a storm or serious flood.

My first act as Minister, following my appointment, was to activate the scheme on the 23rd January 2025 to assist householders across the country ahead of the arrival of Storm Éowyn. The Community Welfare Service responded immediately preparing for the expected inflow of claims. The staff worked through weekends and nights to provide assistance. I wish to thank them and commend them and their colleagues in local authorities for their public service. It was exemplary and helped thousands of people access temporary accommodation and other supports.

Humanitarian Assistance Payments are generally made under three stages.

Urgent or emergency support payments are made under Stage 1 of the scheme. Stage 1 payments are made 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.

Payments made under stage 1 have 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 or water supply following Storm Éowyn.

In addition, some people in very challenging circumstances have been supported with the cost of alternative accommodation under Stage 1.

Although the humanitarian assistance scheme is not intended to be a compensation scheme for losses that should be covered by household insurance, payments are available under Stage 2 for the replacement of white goods and basic furniture. However, this is subject to the person being able to establish a valid reason for non-insurance.

Under stage 3, and again subject to a valid reason for not having your home insured, payments may also be made to repair damage to homes.

Unlike stage 1 payments, stage 2 and stage 3 payments are subject to income tests. This is important to ensure that people who have resources do not use the State as a default insurer.

In response to Storm Éowyn as of 25th February 2025, 11,999 claims were awarded with a total value of €2.561 million. Of these, 962 payments have been made to householders in County Roscommon with a total cost of just over €226,000.