Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
668. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the first year and full year cost of the emergency response payment; the estimated amount the payment will cost over the medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36966/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra682. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if there will be categories provided for family composition and circumstances in the emergency response payment beyond the categories of single, couple and dependent child; if he will give consideration to the additional cost of disability or costs incurred on a household, when there is a member unable to work due to illness, injury or disability; if consideration will be given to the heightened risk of poverty faced by single parent families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37282/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 668 and 682 together.
The Emergency Response Payment assists in minimising hardship by providing financial support to people whose homes are damaged from flooding and severe weather events and who need help to meet emergency costs for essential needs, household items and structural repair.
To the end of April 2026, some €27.57 million had been spent under the scheme since 2009, of which €645,000 has been spent as of end of April 2026. As the scheme is demand-led, funding is made available for emergency needs.
While the categories outlined under family composition for the Emergency Response Payment are in line with those of other schemes in my department, it is important to note that the income test for the Emergency Response Payment is more generous than that applied under means tested social welfare payments in general.
Stage 1 of the scheme is not subject to an income test, income limit levels are applied for stages 2 and 3 of the scheme. These are €50,000 for a single person, €90,000 for a couple and €15,000 per dependent child. Where a family has a gross household income over the income limit, a reduced or tapered level of support may be provided.
The basic principle of the income test for the Emergency Response Payment is that individuals and families with average levels of income will qualify for assistance, which includes non-Social Welfare recipients.
Each application is considered on a case by case basis, with due consideration given to the capability of the household to meet the costs involved.
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.
