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For Written Answer on : 09/09/2024
Question Number(s): 964 Question Reference(s): 34664/24
Department: Social Protection
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she has considered a review of her Department’s humanitarian assistance scheme in the wake of severe weather emergencies such as Storm Babet; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is the lead Department for severe weather emergencies. My department provides assistance to eligible households in the immediate aftermath of emergency weather events under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme.
The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, administered by my department through the local Community Welfare Service, was activated to assist householders affected by a number of weather events across the country in 2023, including Storm Babet.
The purpose of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is to provide income–tested 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 income test for Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is more generous than that which applies in the case of social welfare schemes generally. The basic principle of the income test is that individuals and families with average levels of income will qualify for assistance (including non-Social Welfare recipients).
In October 2023, Government revised the limits under the scheme and approved an additional €3 million in funding for the scheme. Income limit levels for the scheme were also increased in October 2023 from:
- €30,000 to €50,000 for a single person;
- €50,000 to €90,000 for a couple; and
- €10,000 to €15,000 per dependent child.
It should be noted that a reduced or tapered level of support may also be provided in cases where families have income above the limits.
Following a severe weather event, my Community Welfare Staff closely monitor the situation on the ground and engage with the relevant local authorities and other agencies to asses conditions. They are available on the ground offering financial assistance and advice to those living in the affected areas.
During 2023, some 1,100 payments have been made nationally to members of the public under the scheme, with a provisional total expenditure of just over €1.90 million.
Since Storm Babet which occurred on 18th October 2023, over 1,150 payments have been made to members of the public in County Cork up to the end of July 2024, totaling over €3.35 million.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the scheme is kept under review to ensure that it continues to support those most in need of assistance.
If any household affected by severe weather events needs to access these supports, they can contact the Community Welfare Service by phoning 0818 60 70 80.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
