Vol. 548 No. 5
179 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the circumstances in which the Government is willing to extend compensation to persons who suffered loss as a result of the floods on 1 and 2 February 2002; the items covered for compensation; and if it extends to insured risks or only those which were uninsured. [5403/02]
The humanitarian aid scheme to assist those who suffered severe hardship as a result of the flooding on 1 and 2 February 2002 is being administered on behalf of the Office of Public Works by the Irish Red Cross Society and has been put into immediate effect. The closing date for completed applications for aid is Friday, 1 March 2002. Advertisements giving full details of how to apply for assistance under the scheme first appeared in the national newspapers on 7 February. Radio and television adverts for the scheme were also broadcast on 8 February. The advertising campaign will continue in all media at regular intervals throughout the application per iod. In addition, a number of public meetings took place on 6 and 7 February in the worst affected areas in Dublin at which Dublin City Council, Office of Public Works and Irish Red Cross officials explained the aid scheme to the large numbers present. The criteria under which people can claim are death; serious injury; homelessness; damage to home; loss of income; and extreme hardship. On receipt of applications, Irish Red Cross assessors will make appointments to meet the applicants.
Assessments have already started in some areas. The Irish Red Cross has tremendous professional expertise in administering humanitarian aid schemes and is confident that all applications will be processed and payments made within eight weeks of receipt of application. It is emphasised that the scheme is designed to provide humanitarian assistance to relieve hardship and to enable people to get their life back on track. It is not compensation for everything that may have been lost. Applicants who have insurance may still claim for humanitarian aid but should claim from their insurance company in the first instance. All details in relation to insurance must be completed in the humanitarian aid application form. I am confident that the Irish Red Cross will deal with all applications for aid speedily, impartially, effectively and in complete confidence.
180 Mr. Daly asked the Minister for Finance if there are provisions to provide flood relief to those who suffered in the flash flooding of the River Fergus in Ennis, County Clare; if there are action plans he can put into effect to assist businesses and homes hit by flooding; if preventative measures can be considered to ensure that such flooding does not have such a devastating effect in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5429/02]
The humanitarian aid scheme approved by the Government on 5 February to provide assistance for those affected by the flooding of 1 and 2 February applies to all areas of the country. People affected by flooding of the River Fergus on those dates should, therefore, apply to the Red Cross for assistance under the scheme.
With regard to preventative measures, the Deputy might like to know that Ennis Urban District Council has forwarded to the Office of Public Works a copy of the complete preliminary report of the Ennis main drainage and flooding study. This report is currently being examined by my officials in the Office of Public Works with a view to determining, having regard to available resources of staff and funding, what input and assistance the Office of Public Works can provide in the implementation of this scheme of flood relief works.
