Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice Demands Immediate Clarification on Sudden Closure of Humanitarian Assistance Scheme

Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice TD is calling for urgent answers from Minister Dara Calleary regarding the abrupt cessation of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme (HAS) application process in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn.

Concerns Over Application Process Termination

Deputy Fitzmaurice has been informed that an email was allegedly dispatched from the Department of Social Protection to all offices last Friday, instructing staff to destroy all remaining blank application forms for the HAS and to cease the scheme immediately. He stated, "It is my understanding that an email was sent from the Department of Social Protection to all offices last Friday to shred all of the remaining blank application forms for the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, and for the scheme to be closed immediately."

Impact on Affected Regions

This sudden termination has raised significant concerns, particularly for residents in the Midlands, West, and Northwest regions who have experienced severe devastation due to Storm Éowyn. Deputy Fitzmaurice emphasized, "The people of these regions have had the rug pulled from under them in getting assistance from this Government."

Call for Transparency and Accountability

Deputy Fitzmaurice is seeking immediate clarification from Minister Calleary on several critical points:

Application Statistics: The total number of HAS applications received to date, the number processed, and the approval or denial rates.

Financial Disbursements: The total amount of funds approved and disbursed under the HAS.

Tranche Details: Specific data on applications and disbursements for each of the two tranches within the HAS.

He remarked, "We need transparency and fairness for people in these regions who have had to deal with this disaster. Many people's lives have been turned upside down, I have repeatedly called for assistance for homeowners, workers, small businesses and farmers and while some of my calls have been heeded, the sudden closure of this scheme is extremely concerning. We need clarity and we need to know why?"

Concerns Over Disparities in Assistance

Deputy Fitzmaurice also highlighted potential disparities in the duration of assistance schemes across different regions. He questioned, "It is rather concerning that when other funding mechanisms opened for similar relief in other parts of the country, they appear to have been available for longer periods. Are the people of the West, Northwest, and Midlands being treated differently in comparison?"

Immediate Action Required

In light of these concerns, Deputy Fitzmaurice has formally raised these queries with the Minister and is awaiting a prompt and comprehensive response. He concluded, "I am hoping to receive full clarification in the coming days, but unfortunately, at this stage, the information I have received appears to be accurate."