Vol. 557 No. 5
108 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide funds for flood relief to the residents of Willow Park estate, Athlone, County Westmeath, on a similar basis as provided to residents in Dublin similarly affected in 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23002/02]
119 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the tremendous suffering and personal hardship endured by residents in the Willow Park area, Athlone, County Westmeath, as a result of severe flooding in the area; if, in the context of significant losses incurred by them, he will provide financial help and relief to the residents on a similar basis to that which was granted to residents in other areas who suffered similar hardship and catastrophe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22993/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 119 together.
The Government has approved a scheme of humanitarian assistance to relieve hardship arising from flooding of people's homes as a result of severe rainfall on 9 and 10 November and 14 and 15 November. The scheme is designed to provide humanitarian assistance to those who suffered hardship in localised flooding in the Athlone area and in several areas of the south-east and east of the country. The Irish Red Cross Society will administer the scheme and will be advertising it in the media this week. Application forms will be available by ringing the free phone number provided or can be obtained from the Irish Red Cross Society's network, the Garda, community welfare officers, health agencies, local authorities and charitable organisations. It should be emphasised that the scheme is designed to provide humanitarian assistance to relieve hardship arising from damage to people's homes and not compensation for losses.
