Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 January 2010
250 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost to date to her Department for the provision of assistance to flood victims in County Galway; the average financial contribution made to the number of persons who received aid from her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2374/10]
View answerIn recognition of the devastation suffered by people in many areas of the country as a result of the flooding from November 2009 onwards, the Government set up a Humanitarian Assistance Scheme to provide income tested financial support to people who have suffered damages to their homes not covered by insurance. An initial sum of €10 million has been set aside by the Government for this purpose. Community welfare service staff in County Galway have been providing support to families since this flooding occurred. Up to 8 January 2010, they had made over 500 payments to 290 individuals to the value of some €190,000. The average payment per individual in Galway is €655.
