Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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1011. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the compensation available to businesses which had to close for a period due to storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11223/25]

Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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1014. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection what is covered under the humanitarian assistance scheme 2; if damage to farm buildings and sheds can be compensated for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11331/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1011 and 1014 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 affected across the country 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 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.

Income tested support is available under Stage 2 for the replacement of white goods and basic furniture, and under Stage 3 to repair damage to homes.

Support for commercial, agricultural and small businesses is not within the scope of the scheme. Support for those sectors would be a matter for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to develop an “Extreme Weather Event Assistance Scheme for homes, community organisations, farmers and businesses”. My department will provide critical input toward the enhancement of a whole of Government response for future extreme weather events.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.