Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
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519. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection why a person (details supplied) is classified in their receipt of disability allowance as an adult dependent. [13934/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Disability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and the habitual residency condition.

The means test takes account of all income and assets of the applicant and their spouse/partner, where applicable. Income and assets include income from employment, self-employment, occupational pensions, maintenance payments as well as property owned (other than the family home) and capital such as savings, shares and other investments. The weekly rate of a DA payment depends on the amount of weekly means assessed.

Following a review of the DA entitlements of the person concerned, based on the evidence supplied and information available to the Department, it was found that they had an increase in their means from their previous assessment. The person concerned was assessed with weekly means of €259.05. A reduced rate of DA was awarded with effect from 8 May 2024. The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 24 April 2024.

When means are calculated, this will come off the personal element of the payment first and then be deducted from the increase for qualified adult. This apportionment of means does not change the amount payable to the person concerned.

On their award letter, the person concerned was awarded an overall DA rate of €166.50 which included Fuel Allowance of €33.00. This was calculated as a Basic rate of €232.00 plus an Increase for a Qualified Adult of €154.00. Means of €252.50 were then subtracted giving a total of €133.50. When the fuel allowance is included, this gives a total of €166.50.

The person concern appealed that decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) on 3 May 2024 and this was received on 12 May 2024. Having examined this case, an Appeals Officer upheld the Department’s decision, and the person concerned was notified of the outcome in writing on 18 February 2025. An Appeal Officer’s decision is final and conclusive in the absence of any fresh facts or evidence.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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520. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection for an update on a HAS application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13959/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme (HAS), administered by my department through the Community Welfare Service, was activated on 23 January 2025 to assist householders affected across the country by Storm Éowyn.

Humanitarian assistance is available in three stages.

Stage 1 of the HAS is available to people while they are directly impacted by the storm. It targets people who need immediate supports. This stage of humanitarian assistance is to help people with the essentials of life – food, water, shelter and warmth.

Stage 2 support generally involves the replacement of white goods, basic furniture items and other essential household items after a severe weather event.

Stage 3 humanitarian support helps to make a person’s accommodation habitable again in the aftermath of a severe weather event. It generally includes funding for work such as plastering, dry-lining, relaying of floors, electrical re-wiring and painting.

Stage 1 of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme (HAS) is available to people who need immediate humanitarian support while they are without power and/or water. Payments under Stage 1 are not income tested and applications paid have generally been to meet the additional cost of food, in the context of people being unable to either refrigerate or cook food while they had no power.

The scheme does not provide a general compensation payment for damage or losses incurred as a consequence of a weather event. It does not cover damage or losses that are reasonably expected to be covered by insurance policies, this includes spoiled food in a freezer etc., nor does it cover commercial, agricultural, or business losses.

According to the records of my Department, the person concerned applied for a HAS payment on 20/02/2025 for support towards lost freezer/fridge content. This claim was disallowed as freezer/fridge contents are not covered under HAS and are generally covered by home insurance.

I can confirm that the person concerned has since been awarded a payment for their household towards the additional costs of having to purchase food while unable to appropriately refrigerate perishable goods and/or cook food while their household was without power. The person concerned will be notified of this outcome in writing and will receive payment in 2 – 3 working days.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.