Ciarán Cuffe
Ceist:97 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance the terms of reference of and progress made by the task force on flooding. [21183/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 8 July 2004
Ceisteanna (103)
Freagraí scríofa
On 27 November 2002, I announced that a major review of national flooding policy would be carried out. The full published terms of reference of the review were to examine the causes and extent of the flooding, the impact of the flooding on different sections of society, e.g. farmers, householders and businesses, and how the State should respond the different categories of flooding and recommend which agencies should have responsibility in each case; to develop criteria for the prioritisation of expenditure between response programmes and within programmes where appropriate; to examine the extent and adequacy of existing powers and process and recommend any changes and any new or additional powers considered necessary; to identify strategies to manage any increase in the present extent of areas at risk of flooding, with particular reference to current predictions regarding the effects of climate change; and to examine criteria for initiation of any future humanitarian aid schemes.
A review group was established comprising representatives of the Office of Public Works, the Department of Finance, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, the Department of Agriculture and Food, the County and City Managers' Association, IBEC and the Irish Farmers Association. The group has met on nine occasions. At its first meeting in January 2003 the group agreed to undertake a public consultation process. Submissions were invited from the public through advertisements in the media on 24 January 2003. A total of 71 written submissions were received from all sectors of society. Following the closing date for receipt of submissions members of the review groups also held meeting with 14 key agencies and groups to facilitate discussions on particular issues.
Following a number of drafts, a copy of the review group's final draft report was circulated to all Departments for comments earlier this year. On receipt of comments the final draft report was forwarded to the Department of Finance for consideration and submission to Government in March 2004.