Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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116. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the efforts the Government is taking to assist victims of recent extreme weather events in Kerry, such as the extreme flooding in November 2024 and the more recent storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8530/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, administered by my department through the local Community Welfare Service, was activated in November 2024 to assist householders affected by Storm Bert and was again 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 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.

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.

It is worth noting that following Storm Éowyn the scheme 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. In addition, a number of people in very challenging circumstances were supported with the cost of alternative accommodation under Stage 1.

The level of support provided reflected 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.

In the aftermath of Storm Bert which occurred on 22nd November 2024, assistance under the scheme totalling over €27,000 has been made in County Kerry.

Since Storm Éowyn, almost 12,000 payments have been made to members of the public up to the 25th February 2025, totalling almost € 2.6 million, of which 13 payments have been made to householders in County Kerry under Stage 1 of the scheme with a total of just over €2,200.