Mary Wallace
Ceist:198 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Finance his views on the request by the Irish Insurance Federation to establish a national flood defence agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25809/02]
Written Answers. - Flood Defence Agency.
I met the IIF on 6 December to listen to their views, concerns and proposals in relation to the problem of flooding in Ireland. It was a very constructive meeting. The IIF welcomed my decision, announced on 27 November, to set up a review group to carry out a major review of national flooding policy. I am initiating this review to develop a cohesive national flooding policy.
The purpose of the review is to assess the extent of the problem countrywide, clarify roles and responsibilities of the various agencies involved and to recommend practical action to deal with flooding. The review will be carried out by a group representing the major stakeholders – the Office of Public Works, Departments of Finance and Environment and Local Government, local authorities, IBEC, and the IFA. The review group will receive submissions from, and consult with, a further wide range of relevant bodies. I have invited the IIF to make a submission to the review group.