Means test for flood victims branded 'cruel' by Fine Gael TD Jim Daly

A TD whose office was flooded over Christmas has hit out at the “cruel” means-testing of a humanitarian scheme designed to help families devastated by floods.

Although €10m has been allocated to the Department of Social Protection’s Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, the fund is still means tested with households earning over €70,000 being curtailed in the amount they receive.

Families can receive aid to ensure they have bedding, fuel, and food in the immediate aftermath of flooding but can also apply for help with replacing white goods and repairs in the longer-term under the scheme.