Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 3

Written Answers. - Humanitarian Aid Schemes.

Beverley Flynn

Question:

246 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Finance the details of all humanitarian aid provided to individual community and local authorities in previous flooding disasters, namely, Ringsend, Gort and Drumcondra; the amount of aid which was allocated in each case; and the length of time after the event before the money was allocated. [23446/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Parlon)

The areas mentioned by the Deputy, Ringsend – February 2002 floods, Gort – 1995-96, and Drumcondra – November 2002 were among many areas throughout the country that suffered flood damage at the respective times. The humanitarian aid schemes that were implemented were open to applicants from all parts of the country. The amount of aid allocated in each of these years was:

1995	€2,410,000
1996	€660,000
2002 (February floods)	€8,500,000
2002 (November floods)	€5,000,000

These schemes were implemented on anex-gratia basis following specific Government decisions in each case. The schemes provided humanitarian aid and not compensation for losses. The Irish Red Cross administered the schemes on behalf of the Office of Public Works. Individual payment details are confidential and vary accordingly to the circumstances of each case. On average applicants for aid received payments from the Irish Red Cross within eight to ten weeks of application. The Irish Red Cross has prepared reports on the implementation of humanitarian aid schemes. These reports are available in the Oireachtas Library.