Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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103. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection for an update on the humanitarian assistance scheme application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14337/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme (HAS), administered by my department through the Community Welfare Service (CWS), 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 1 of 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 the Department, the person concerned applied for a HAS payment to assist with the additional costs incurred as a result of Storm Éowyn. Their HAS stage 1 payment has been processed and they have been awarded a payment towards the additional costs of food, accommodation and fuel incurred due to the power outages as a result of Storm Éowyn. The person concerned has been notified of this outcome of their claim and payment will be issued to their nominated bank account in 2 – 3 working days.

I hope this clarifies the matter.