andMr. Barrett asked the Minister for Finance if the Government will consider the creation of a fund from which compensation could be made available for persons who suffered heavy losses in last week's disastrous floods in Cork City.
19.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compensation for Cork Flood Losses.
18.
asked the Minister for Finance whether, in view of the serious losses sustained by private individuals and business concerns in Cork City and elsewhere during the recent floodings and their virtual inability to insure against such a contingency, he will consider the possibility of compensating the victims of such disasters.
I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle to take Questions Nos. 18 and 19 together.
The Government is unable to accept liability, by way of the creation of a fund or otherwise, for compensation to private individuals or business concerns who suffered losses as a result of the recent flooding.
I would point out, however, that it is open to persons who have suffered damage of a structural nature to their private dwellings to apply to the Department of Local Government for a grant under the Housing Acts towards the cost of repairing the damage. Local authorities are empowered to make supplementary grants for the same purpose, if they so wish, and may apply for loans from the Local Loans Fund for the purpose.
Losses sustained by traders as a result of stock being damaged by flooding would be allowable for income tax purposes in so far as they are not covered by insurance.
Would the Minister tell the House if any provision was made at any time in respect of similar damage sustained by people in Dublin some years ago?
Yes, there was a case.
Was provision made for the payment of compensation to these people for damage to their property?
There was a case made in regard to what was referred to as the Tolka flooding because it was confined almost entirely to workingmen's houses. Their effects were very badly damaged.
On that occasion, was compensation paid for damage to stock as well, and could the Minister explain why similar provision could not be made here?
That was the only exception ever made, as far as I know.
Would the Minister and the Government be ready to make another exception in this case, having regard to the grave damage that has been sustained in Cork?
I do not think the conditions are the same.
Would the Minister look into it again, if I ask a similar question in a week's time?
I would be quite prepared to look into it again.
Would the Minister take into account that many workingclass families have had their furniture and other household effects ruined and examine the matter to see if they can be compensated?
I was rather taken aback by a reply I got here with regard to a scheme prepared recently whereby people were compensated for the damage done by flood and storm. I was told that the scheme applied only to damage and flooding which occurred some months ago. In view of the fact that so much damage has been done in Cork city and county over the past four or five days, would the Minister consider that those people would be included in the scheme inaugurated two or three weeks ago?
I do not know to what case the Deputy is referring.
The Minister said he would consider this particular area. When he is considering it, will he have regard to all areas in the country that have suffered damage?