asked the Minister for the Environment if it is his intention to give a grant to Sligo County Council to help them compensate the many persons who have suffered heavy losses as a result of recent storms.
Written Answers. - Compensation for Storm Damage.
193.
The Government arranged that an additional £1 million would be made available to the Task Force on Special Housing Aid for the Elderly and Needy operating under the aegis of my Department for the purpose of reinstating housing affected by the severe flooding to a habitable condition. At a special meeting of the task force held on 29 August 1986 it was decided that the local authorities involved should determine the nature and level of assistance to be given in individual cases where structural repairs and basic decoration, were necessary. Expenses certified as having been incurred on this basis are recoupable to local authorities from the special provision of £1 million. At that time the local authorities, where there was evidence to hand of severe flooding in their areas, were circularised in the matter. Subsequently the position in Sligo was dealt with on the same basis following an approach to the Department by the local authority.