A Co Monaghan councillor has warned that we are facing a "serious issue" with the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme. Cllr Flynn stated at a recent sitting of the Ballybay-Clones MD that while some applicants have received support, others in identical situations have been denied, with "no consistency" in how applications are assessed. The Government originally stated that all those in need could apply, however Cllr Flynn says we are now seeing a "clear roll-back on support."
As a result, members of the Clones-Ballybay MD are calling on the Government to ensure that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is applied fairly and consistently, with the same criteria used for all applicants. Members are also calling on the Government to clarify why some applicants have been deemed ineligible despite the commitments made when the scheme was announced. Speaking to Northern Sound, Cllr Flynn says we need a fair, open, and consistent approach, where the same criteria apply to all applicants:
