Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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111. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if additional funding is being provided to his Department this year due to additional expenditure arising following storm Éowyn; if additional funding is provided, the programmes and schemes that will benefit from this additional expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14589/25]

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 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.

The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme was approved by Government in November 2009 with a fund of €10 million made available. In October 2023, Government approved an additional €3 million in funding.

Up to Monday 24 March, the Community Welfare Service has registered 73,681 claims for Stage 1 of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, with 27,475 claims awarded totalling over €6.5 million being paid in respect of Storm Éowyn related claims. The scheme is demand-led with funding available to respond to the humanitarian needs arising under the scheme.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.