From Department of Social Protection
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The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, has today secured government approval to extend the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, on an exceptional basis, to provide humanitarian aid and support to those living in properties directly affected by the tragic explosion in Creeslough in Donegal.
The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme operated by the Department of Social Protection is usually activated to help families who have been impacted by flooding following severe weather events.
The Minister has acknowledged that the exceptionally tragic event requires compassionate and urgent action by Government:
“We are all deeply affected by the tragic event in Creeslough, and the unfolding human stories. We have been asked at local level to give access to the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme for households on the site of the explosion.
“Extending the scheme will ensure my department has maximum flexibility so that we can provide support where needed, quickly and effectively, which I know is what we all want to see.”
Community Welfare Officers from the Department of Social Protection are working with other government agencies on the ground in Creeslough to ensure that the families whose homes have been affected are given access to support.
The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme was approved by Government in November 2009. Its purpose is to prevent hardship by providing income-tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged from flooding and severe weather events and who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and structural repair. A fund of €10 million is in place for this purpose.
In dealing with emergency events the department generally adopts a three stage approach as follows:
Levels of payment under the scheme depend on the relative severity of damage experienced and the household’s ability to meet these costs, ensuring that the funding is appropriately targeted.
The means assessment for Humanitarian Assistance 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, including non-Social Welfare recipients.
The scheme does not cover risks that are covered by insurance policies or cover business or commercial losses.
If necessary, the Community Welfare Service can also provide support for other essential needs, for example Additional Needs Payments may be made to assist with funeral costs.