Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:690. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the humanitarian assistance scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3606/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 20 January 2026
Ceisteanna (690)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department provides assistance to eligible households in the immediate aftermath of emergency weather events under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme.
The purpose of the 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 to the home.
It does not provide a general compensation payment for damage or losses incurred as a consequence of a weather event, nor does it cover damage or losses that are reasonably expected to be covered by insurance policies.
The scheme does not cover commercial, agricultural, business losses, or any additional properties or structures that are not occupied and lived in as the applicant’s primary residence.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine provides support to the horticulture, meat processing, farming and forestry sectors.
Expenditure under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme for the period from 2009 to end of December 2025 was in the order of €27.0 million. Some €15.5 million was paid in 2025, the majority of which was paid in respect of Storm Éowyn related claims.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.