Government Provides Ongoing Support under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme in response to Storm Éowyn

The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, has outlined the essential support available under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme for those who continue to be impacted by Storm Éowyn.

Speaking today, Minister Calleary said:

“Unfortunately, some people continue to be without power and water in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn. My Department is supporting those most impacted with vital humanitarian aid to assist with essential food, heating and accommodation needs.”

Support is available in three stages.

Stage 1: Immediate Humanitarian Support for those without power and/or water

Stage 1 of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is available to people who need immediate humanitarian support while they are without power and/or water.

Payments under Stage 1 are not income tested and are generally for essential food and clothing based on the immediate need of impacted individuals.

In addition, a number of people in very challenging circumstances have been supported with the cost of alternative accommodation under Stage 1. The level of support provided reflects reasonable rates based on local cost availability.

The scheme has also supported the purchase of necessary items such as gas heaters, torches, etc for people without power and/or water following Storm Éowyn.

Activity on the ground

Community Welfare Officers have been visiting people affected by the storm and providing support.

The service is also working closely with the Local Coordination Groups in local authorities.

If any homeowner affected by severe weather needs to access these supports, our Community Welfare Service contact details are available here: gov.ie - Customer Notices (www.gov.ie)

Stage 2 and 3 Humanitarian Supports:

Stage 2 support generally involves the replacement of white goods, basic furniture items and other essential household items after a severe weather event.

Stage 3 is to identify the longer term financial support required to make a person’s accommodation habitable again in the aftermath of a severe weather event, and includes funding for plastering, dry-lining, relaying of floors, electrical re-wiring and painting.

Stages 2 and 3 humanitarian supports are subject to income limits: €50,000 for a single person; €90,000 for a couple and €15,000 per dependent child. Reduced or tapered level of support may be provided in cases where a household‘s income is above these limits. The level of payment depends on how severe the damage is and a person’s ability to meet these costs.

Scope of Humanitarian aid

Humanitarian aid does not pay for damage that is covered by insurance policies (for example, spoiled freezer food, storm damage), nor does it cover commercial, agricultural, or business losses.