Micheál Carrigy (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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1443. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will provide an update on a claim made under the humanitarian assistance scheme (details supplied); if he will investigate the reason no correspondence has issued to the applicant to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20074/25]

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 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.

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, nor does it cover commercial, agricultural, or business losses.

According to the records of this Department, no HAS1 or HAS2 application has been received from the person concerned to date. On receipt of your Parliamentary Question, I have requested that a HAS1 application issue to the home address of the person concerned with a freepost envelope for return. The person concerned should return the form, signed and completed outlining the reason why they believe they have an entitlement to a payment. They should include as much information as possible including all expenses incurred, household composition and the length of time their household was without power.

HAS1 and HAS2 applications are also available to download online at:

I have been advised that an email address has also been provided to the Deputy in previous correspondence which can also be used should email be the preferred method for return for the person concerned.

I trust this clarifies the matter.