Vol. 548 No. 5
57 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the progress made regarding the scheme being operated by the Office of Public Works and the Irish Red Cross to provide humanitarian aid for those whose homes and properties were damaged by flooding on 1 February. [5553/02]
The humanitarian aid scheme to assist those who suffered severe hardship as a result of the flooding on 1 and 2 February is being administered on behalf of the Office of Public Works by the Irish Red Cross Society and has been put into immediate effect. The closing date for completed applications for aid is Friday, 1 March. Advertisements giving full details of how to apply for assistance under the scheme first appeared in the national newspapers on 7 February. Radio and television adverts for the scheme were also broadcast on 8 February.
The advertising campaign will continue in all media at regular intervals throughout the application period. In addition, a number of public meetings took place on 6 and 7 February in the worst affected areas in Dublin. Officials from Dublin City Council, the Office of Public Works and the Irish Red Cross explained the aid scheme to the large numbers present. The criteria under which people can claim are: death; serious injury; homelessness; damage to home; loss of income; and extreme hardship. On receipt of applications, the Irish Red Cross assessors will make appointments to meet the applicants. Assessments have already started in some areas.
The Irish Red Cross has tremendous professional expertise in administering humanitarian aid schemes and is confident that all applications will be processed and payments made within eight weeks of receipt of application. It is emphasised that the scheme is designed to provide humanitarian assistance to relieve hardship and to enable people to get their life back on track. It is not compensation for everything that may have been lost.
Applicants who have insurance may still claim for humanitarian aid but should claim from their insurance company in the first instance. All details in relation to insurance must be completed in the humanitarian aid application form. I am confident that the Irish Red Cross will deal with all applications for aid speedily, impartially, effectively and in complete confidence.
