asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state (a) the personnel of the committee set up to consider and report upon claims for compensation submitted by all those affected by flooding in the Dublin area on 8th December, 1954, (b) the date on which the committee was established, (c) the terms of reference of the committee, (d) the number of meetings held by the committee, and (e) the number of claims received up to date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Flooding Claims.
The committee consists of the following persons:—The Hon. Mr. Justice Cecil Lavery, as Chairman; Mrs. Denis Kelly; Edward J. Duffy; Dr. Patrick J. Hernon; and Michael L. Burke.
It was appointed by me by Order dated 7th January, 1955. That Order sets out the terms of reference as follows:—
"The object of the committee shall be to assist in alleviating distress caused by the flooding in the City of Dublin on the 8th and 9th December, 1954. Grants shall be made to the committee by me and the expenditure of such grants will be subject to conditions to be laid down by me with the consent of the Minister for Finance."
The committee have held five formal meetings but examination by the members of the claims has proceeded between the formal meetings. The number of claims received up to date is approximately 1,600.
Are we to take it that no provision has been made to restore the property damaged by the flooding in the Dublin area—property damaged to such an extent that the floors in many hundreds of buildings are a danger to their occupants; and are we to take it that no arrangements have been made to compensate in some way those people who have lost very seriously through damage to the structure and to property and stocks?
Sin ceist eile. The Deputy does not ask that in the question he has put down to me to-day.