Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
630. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if the residents in a location (details supplied) are eligible for the emergency response payment; if the emergency response payment will cover costs associated with the damage caused to their cars and personal items contained within, as a result of the underground carpark flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16539/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Emergency Response Payment prevents hardship by providing income-tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged from flooding and severe weather events and who are unable to meet emergency costs for essential needs, household items and structural repair.
In dealing with emergency events the department generally adopts a three-stage approach:
Stage 1 of the scheme is to address hardship in the immediate aftermath of emergency events and provides emergency support payments to cover immediate and essential costs such as the purchase of food, clothing, bedding and essential personal items for immediate use.
Stage 2 involves the replacement of white goods, basic furniture items and other essential household items.
Stage 3 covers the cost of essential structural repairs to a person’s primary residence 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. The payment does not cover:
• Losses covered by an insurance policy, or which could reasonably be expected to have been covered by an insurance policy.
• Loss of items considered not essential, or luxury items.
• Commercial, agricultural, or business losses.
• Structural loss or damage to rented accommodation.
• Any additional properties that are not occupied and lived in as the primary residence.
• Repair or replacement of motor vehicles.
Unfortunately, and as outlined above, the scheme does not cover the repair or replacement of motor vehicles. Responsibility for ensuring a vehicle and personal effects is appropriately covered by their vehicle insurance rests with the vehicle owner. The affected individuals should check with their insurance providers.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
