IN the wake of Storm Éowyn, which resulted in fallen trees and left 768,000 Irish homes without power, one local politician has now questioned the necessity of a means test for humanitarian assistance.
There are currently income-tested financial supports on offer but earnings may impact the level of financial support received.
Independent Ireland TD for County Limerick, Richard O’Donoghue is far from impressed with this move.
“At a time of such upset and upheaval in the lives of so many affected by recent snowfalls and storms, is it really necessary?
“I imagine we are one of the only countries in the world who seek to means test families whose lives have been turned upside down by storm damage,” Deputy O’Donoghue opined.
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He told the Limerick Post that many of those who urgently need help may not qualify for support due to income or asset criteria. He called on the government to act swiftly to ensure those in need are assisted without unnecessary barriers.
“People who are employed are as affected by the damage just as much as those who are not and a means test in such a crisis should not be a prerequisite for assistance,” he insisted.
Information is available from Citizens Information and Intreo, with the local Community Welfare Service the ultimate unit in charge of the Assistance programme.
“At one point over the weekend, Social Protection has issued 1,150 payments to persons affected by Storm Éowyn, totalling €225,000 (thus averaging €200). These monies mainly related to payments for food, clothing and personal items in the immediate aftermath of the event,” O’Donoghue explained.
The Limerick politician’s party has also proposed a grant-funded system for the installation of home generators.
“Backup power is a necessity and the government should be in a position to provide it.”
O’Donoghue has contacted the government for “the immediate establishment of more hubs for people, especially the elderly, to access heat, warmth and necessary support services.”
“These additional hubs will provide a lifeline to many who are suffering in isolation,” he concluded.
