Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
71. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the plans to increase the qualifying income limits and funding amounts for the humanitarian assistance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2826/26]
View answerThe purpose of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is to prevent hardship by providing financial support to people whose homes are damaged from flooding and/or severe weather events and who are not able to meet costs for essential needs, household items and in some instances structural repairs.
The scheme is administered by my Department through the Community Welfare Service and in dealing with emergency events, the Community Welfare Service generally adopts a three-stage approach.
Stage 1 provides emergency support payments such as food, clothing and bedding in the immediate aftermath of the event.
Stage 2 involves the replacement of white goods, basic furniture items and other essential household items.
Stage 3 is to identify what longer term financial support is required, including plastering, dry-lining, relaying of floors, electrical re-wiring and painting.
Emergency support payments, under Stage 1 of the scheme are not income tested and are based on the immediate need of the individuals impacted.
Income limit levels for Stages 2 and 3 of the scheme were 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.
Reduced or tapered levels of support may be provided in cases where a household‘s income is above these limit levels.
The income test for the scheme is more generous than that applied under means tested social welfare payments in general. The basic principle of the income test is that individuals and families with average levels of income will qualify for assistance.
I consider the current income limit levels and the assessment process used in determining these claims for assistance to be a fair and equitable approach as it ensures that support is provided to people with the greatest financial need.
To the end of November 2025 some €26.8 million had been spent under the scheme since 2009. As the scheme is demand-led, funding is made available to respond to the humanitarian needs arising.
I wish to assure the Deputy the scheme is kept under review to ensure that it continues to support those most in need of assistance.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
