asked the Minister for Finance if he has taken any steps to estimate the losses, due to flooding, incurred by farmers, traders and others; if he intends to introduce legislation to provide compensation to cover such losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Losses from Floods.
The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is in the negative. I am satisfied that it would not be possible to obtain anything approaching a reasonably accurate estimate of the losses incurred by farmers, traders and others which might be attributed either directly or indirectly to flooding. As regards the second part of the question, I do not propose to introduce legislation of the kind suggested. The Deputy is, no doubt, aware of the arrangements which are being made by the Minister for Agriculture for the issue of interest-free loans to farmers for the replacement, in part, of live stock lost as a result of the recent severe weather.