Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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1069. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he is considering any changes to the income test for his Department’s humanitarian assistance scheme for households affected by severe weather events; how current income limits were decided upon under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12537/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The purpose of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, which is administered by my department through the local Community Welfare Service, 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.

Payments made under the Stage 2 (household goods) and stage 3 (structural repair) are subject to an income test and are processed where a person can demonstrate a valid reason for non-insurance.

The income test for Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is more generous than that which applies in the case of social welfare schemes generally. In October 2023, Government revised and increased the income limits as follows:

• €30,000 to €50,000 for a single person;
• €50,000 to €90,000 for a couple; and
• €10,000 to €15,000 per dependent child.