John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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132. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to present the number of payments made in each county under the humanitarian assistance scheme following storm Éowyn last year; the number of applications declined; the number of applications for which a decision is yet to be made; the total amount paid out, the average payment made per county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62171/25]

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

The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme (HAS) is operated in 3 stages. The majority of payments made to people to date as a result of Storm Éowyn have been Stage 1, to meet the additional cost of feeding their families in the immediate aftermath of the storm where people remained without power and/or water. The scheme does not provide a general compensation payment for damage or losses incurred as a consequence of a weather event.

As of 30 September 2025, I can advise that 96,449 claims for the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme have been registered and 58,457 claims have been awarded, with over €14.17 million being paid in respect of Storm Éowyn related claims. The average value of awarded claims is €242.43. There are currently 98 applications yet to be decided upon.

There are 37,894 applicants, whose claims have been decided and have not been awarded a payment in respect of Storm Éowyn. My Department continues to accept and process requests for a review of a decision. Review requests are undertaken by a Review Officer. The review process may lead to a fresh examination of the initial decision made or include further contact/engagement with the customer and/or a requirement for additional supporting information or evidence to be provided, in order to assist the Review Officer with their consideration of the review request reasons.

The table below provides details up to 30 September 2025 outlining the number of claims registered, awarded and the average HAS payout for Storm Éowyn per county.

The Community Welfare Service continues to engage and provide supports under the scheme to householders. Stages 2 and 3 of the HAS remain open and my Department continues to currently accept applications. Stage 2/3 payments are subject to an income test.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.