Neither my Department nor any of the agencies under the aegis of my Department, with the exception of the Office of Public Works, operate any grant schemes. I have approved a number of grant schemes operated by the Office of Public Works to alleviate difficulties arising as a result of the severe flooding in 1995. The schemes in question are as follows:
The Government humanitarian assistance: home relocation scheme made pursuant to the Commissioners of Public Works (Functions and Powers) Act, 1996. The scheme, in respect of which £750,000 was made available, is to enable the victims of the flooding who were rendered effectively homeless relocate their homes. This scheme will remain open until 1 June 1998.