Pat Rabbitte
Question:63 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance the progress made with regard to the proposed review of the national flooding policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9736/03]
Written Answers - Flood Relief.
On 27 November 2002, I announced a major review of national flooding policy. The purpose of the review is to assess the extent of the flooding problem, clarify roles and responsibilities among the various State agencies involved in the issue of flood relief and recom mend practical action to deal with the problem more effectively in the future.
The review group, which I chair, comprises the Office of Public Works, Department of Finance, Department of the Environment and Local Government, Dúchas, Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture and Food, the County and City Managers Association, IBEC, and the IFA. The first meeting of the group took place on 17 January 2003, following which an advertisement was placed in the three national daily newspapers inviting submissions from all interested individuals and bodies wishing to have their views considered by the review group. The deadline for receipt of submissions was Friday, 28 March.
In addition, the review group also identified a number of key stakeholders whose inputs they believe are important to the development of future policy and these bodies were approached directly for their comments. As of Friday, 4 April I am advised that 65 submissions were received. These are currently being examined and will, I believe, contribute greatly to the work of the review and help to ensure that a wide spectrum of opinion is taken into account.
Three full meetings of the group have now taken place and good progress is being made. The group remains confident of being in a position to present its report to Government by late autumn of this year as originally projected.
Question No. 64 answered with Question No. 46.
Question No. 65 answered with Question No. 62.
Question No. 66 answered with Question No. 56.
Question No. 67 answered with Question No. 22.