asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the deep resentment felt by many business people, who were victims of the North Strand flooding, because the Lavery Commission has concluded its investigations without making any award to certain shopkeepers, whose goods and animals were lost in the floods, and, if so, if he will arrange for the commission to resume its inquiries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Lavery Commission Investigations.
I am not so aware. The committee was concerned only with the alleviation of distress caused by the abnormal flooding and not with the question of compensation for damage sustained.
The terms of reference of the Lavery Commission were the relief of distress. Traders have lost stock and goods. Is not that distress and does it not cause distress in the home? Should not such persons be entitled to some award? I am aware of several cases of that nature where people have not received anything and where they have been refused.
I can tell the Minister it is a fact that there is very deep dissatisfaction over the way in which these traders have been dealt with. They all feel that they have been badly treated, because, when the Government stepped in, they told them they were going to try and deal with the matter. The Minister says he is not aware of there being any dissatisfaction, but I can inform him it is absolutely true that there is deep dissatisfaction.
Be it very far from me to decide where distress ends and damage for compensation begins. That is a matter for the commission. If Deputies want to make representations to the commission I am sure the commission would consider such. It is not a matter for me. I do not propose to interfere in any way.
Is the Minister aware that very great dissatisfaction exists amongst traders arising from the fact that the assessors appointed to examine the situation in many cases refused point blank to examine goods damaged by the floods? Consequently, traders in the area are dissatisfied and feel that they have not been treated fairly and equitably.
This House voted the money for the relief of distress and that only. I am not going to interfere in any way. I feel certain that the commission has done a very good job, but if Deputies wish to make representations to the commission, I feel certain they will be considered.
Has the commission taken all reasonable steps to investigate all claims?
That is a separate question.