Humanitarian Assistance Scheme inconsistent and deeply unfair says Mayo TD

A MAYO TD has described the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme as inconsistent and deeply unfair for too many Mayo families.

Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh has called on her fellow Mayo TD and Minister of Social Welfare, Dara Calleary to 'put things right' and deliver on what was promised when people were left without electricity and water for weeks after Storm Eowyn.

The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme (HAS) was also criticised by some local councillors at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council which heard that some people who applied for assistance were being rejected.

Erris-based TD Conway Walsh said the refusal letters being received by constituents was exacerbating the frustration felt by Mayo people who went weeks without electricity and other services following the storm.

“Frustration is palpable particularly as the Government made commitments that people would be able to access financial support through the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme.

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“People’s clear understanding was that Stage 1 HAS was not means tested and that it would be available to provide support to those living in households directly affected by Storm Éowyn to provide emergency support payments for food, clothing and personal items.

“It is being reported now to my offices that there are major discrepancies in applications with some people being paid while their neighbours, making identical applications, have been refused.

“Up until now, applications were being accepted from people who had claimed for loss of food, with flat rate payments being issued based on the size of households.

“It is now being suggested that loss of food is not covered under the scheme and people should claim through their home insurance. This is most unfair as not all households have insurance, most often policies have an initial amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage begins to contribute towards a claim. In addition any claim has a knock-on effect of raising your insurance premium. It should be sufficient for the householder to confirm that they are not double claiming from an insurance provider,” she said.

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment added that there have also been issues with requests for receipts which were not required on the application form and refusals based on length of time without electricity.

“We now need clarity on how exactly this scheme will be delivered and most importantly how it will deliver on what was explicitly promised reverting to the assessment of applications under the original terms.

“I encourage people who have been refused to seek a review and specify the additional expenses they faced in the aftermath of the storm including the costs of eating out.”