Vol. 468 No. 1
63 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Finance the total number of applicants in Wexford town for compensation in respect of flooding in the winter of 1995; when such compensation will be paid by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14564/96]
The Irish Red Cross Society undertook at my request an assessment of the extent of the hardship caused as a consequence of the flooding which affected the south and south east of the country, including Wexford town, in the winter of 1995/96. To that end the society carried out a publicity campaign, which included national and local media (radio and newspapers) coverage of involvement in the investigation, widespread advertising in the national and local newspapers including the Wexford People in early May 1996 and follow-up interviews by the society's research staff of those applicants who submitted application forms for humanitarian assistance.
While I do not have details of the applications received, such information is confidential between the individual applicant and the Irish Red Cross Society, the total number of applications submitted from Wexford town and county to the society was twelve.
The Government at its meeting yesterday approved the provision of £265,000 to the Irish Red Cross Society for distribution as humanitarian aid to the victims of flooding. This will be in addition to the 300,000 ECU, £235,000 approximately, which has been promised by the EU.
I am advised that the Irish Red Cross Society expects to be in a position to commence the issue of payments within a few weeks.
64 Mr. Davern asked the Minister for Finance when applicants seeking relief following flooding during January 1996 in Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary will be paid; the total moneys allocated to these victims; and the reason for the delay in making these payments. [14623/96]
The Government decided at its meeting yesterday to allocate £265,000 for distribution by the Irish Red Cross Society to victims of the flooding in late 1995 and early 1996, including people in Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir. This will be in addition to the sum of 300,000 ECU, £235,000 approximately, which has been promised by the EU.
There has been no unavoidable delay in dealing with this matter. The Deputy will be aware that because of the lack of a budget line in the EU budget I succeeded in securing the promise of Union funding only after difficult and protracted negotiations.
In order to obviate delays in making payments to the flood victims, I asked the Irish Red Cross Society in advance of any funds having been allocated, to make an assessment of the needs of the flooding victims. The Government has approved the provision of funds within weeks of the handing over of the society's report to me.
I understand the Irish Red Cross Society would hope to be able to commence the issue of payments within a few weeks.
