Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 November 2004
156 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if householders and owners of premises in towns in west Cork badly affected by recent flooding, in particular, in Clonakilty and Bantry, will be covered by the proposed compensation scheme; and the details of such a scheme. [28240/04]
View answerThe Government has approved the establishment of a humanitarian aid scheme to relieve hardship arising from flooding of people's homes as a result of severe rainfall over several days during the last week of October 2004. The Irish Red Cross has been appointed to administer the scheme on the ground. My officials in the Office of Public Works met last week with the IRC to finalise arrangements for the scheme and advertising of the scheme in both the national and local media has commenced. The closing date for receipt of applications is 24 November 2004.
The scheme applies to homes but not to businesses. It is emphasised that the scheme is humanitarian and is designed to relieve hardship and is, therefore, not compensation for losses. Eligibility criteria for assistance will be in line with previous aid schemes, namely death, serious injury, damage to home or extreme hardship. The scheme applies countrywide.
