Humanitarian aid yet to be paid to flood victims

“RED tape” is causing “huge hardship and frustration” for families whose homes were destroyed by flooding more than three years ago.

Homeowners, who are eligible for humanitarian aid following flood devastation in November 2009, are still waiting for financial assistance, according to a South Galway councillor, who wants to see the situation dealt with immediately.

Councillor Gerry Finnerty tabled a motion at a meeting of Galway County Council earlier this year calling on the Minister for Social Protection to pay all outstanding money due to people under the scheme.

“None of the affected families here have been paid yet under this scheme and we are four years on. The reason for this is the amount of red tape people had to go through. It is unbelievable. The process was so long and drawn out,” he told The Clare Champion.

The department responded to the council’s motion by letter to Galway county secretary Michael Owens. Jeffrey Gillen of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) section at the Department of Social Protection stated payments will not be made until all criteria are satisfied.

“The Government has provided various types of support to people affected by the November 2009 flooding. Humanitarian aid payments were made, both in the immediate aftermath of the flooding and subsequently to enable eligible households to resume living at their home,” he stated.

“Subject to certain conditions, the Government also decided to provide support to a small number of families who are continuing to experience significant housing problems as a result of the November 2009 flooding and are considering the possibility of relocating, rather than resuming living at their original home.

“The legal agreement necessary for the purpose of this scheme was the subject of much detailed discussion and negotiations between this department, the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the Chief State Solicitor’s Office. The agreement was finalised and issued to the householders on December 5, 2012,” he added.

“In view of the legal obligations attaching to the payment of monies in respect of relocation assistance, householders have been advised to seek legal advice prior to signing the agreements.

“A number of documents, including signed legal agreements, have recently been received from the families concerned and are being considered in the department in consultation with the department’s legal advisors.

“The department is in regular contact with the families concerned and their representatives in order to finalise matters,” Mr Gillen stated.

Councillor Finnerty said the number of parties involved in the application and decision-making process is making it difficult for those seeking funds.

“It is causing huge hardship and frustration. You have your solicitor, the council and then you have the Department of Social Protection charged with administering the money, as well as the State Solicitor’s Office, so you have a lot of parties involved and that is where the problem lies,” he said.

Councillor Finnerty concluded by saying he expects the application of one South Galway family “to be settled in the near future”.