Concern over termination of storm assistance scheme

Concern has been expressed that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme available to those impacted by Storm Eowyn has been terminated. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice TD is calling for urgent answers from Minister Dara Calleary in relation to the reports. The Independent Ireland Deputy says he 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. The Roscommon Galway TD says such a move has serious consequences for residents in areas such as the Northwest who have experienced severe devastation due to storm.