Ms Helen Faughnan:

In 2012 when we received permission to operate the scheme, the Government gave approval to spend up to €10 million. At the minute there is no cap on the scheme which is demand-led. We are in a position to provide for needs as they arise. As it is means-tested, we are not compensating fully in all instances. We are trying to repair houses to bring them back to a habitable condition; therefore, there is a balance to be struck. Each individual case is assessed on its own needs. Some people might have been able to move some of their white goods to a place of safety, while others could not do so. Floors were destroyed, etc. The staff are meeting and sitting down with individual households to discuss what their needs are. People moving to stage 2 will generally be getting estimates of the cost of repairs to allow them to move back in. We are, therefore, still at the early stages. We are providing for fuel costs to help to dry out houses and providing for the hire of dehumidifiers in some areas. We are also assisting the local authorities. Where pumps have been provided for a lot of private houses, we are working in tandem with the local authorities in providing fuel to keep going on a regular basis. While I am quite happy to say there is no cap, we are conscious, in terms of ensuring value for money, of the general cost of replacing various items. We will be replacing to a good quality, durable level. We will not be at the top end of the expensive market if we have to replace a kitchen, furniture or things like that, but we provide good quality, durable replacements.

In the case of people who are self employed, we are examining that issue. If, for example, a self-employed person cannot go to work because he or she is manning the pumps etc. and cannot meet a bill or has other issues, absolutely he or she should come and talk to us. We will see how we can assist the people concerned. It may not be replacement of earnings per se, but if a person is in difficulty and unable to meet particular needs because of loss of earnings - it could be the case that he or she has difficulty in making a mortgage payment or whatever else - we will look at his or her various needs. The scheme is designed to be flexible.

Like the Deputy, I pay tribute to community welfare service staff around the country. They take the welfare aspect of their role particularly seriously. They are looking at what is in the best interests of each householder to try to meet his or her needs which are far ranging. A lot of people are under extreme stress and suffering anguish because of what has happened to them. It is a question of dealing with the practical day-to-day pieces, for example, for families that have had to move out and are living in bed and breakfast accommodation. Parents are trying to provide food, etc. for their family; we are, therefore, covering the cost of meals not covered in bed and breakfast accommodation. It can even come down to other items. Ms Kelleher was telling me about a family in County Clare that had two dogs but nowhere to put them. In that case we are providing for kennel hire, which has removed one little worry from a family in meeting their needs.

In respect of the Red Cross scheme, I understand it covers the cost of returning a business premises to its pre-flood condition and includes the replacement of flooring, fixtures, fittings and damaged stock.

That is fairly comprehensive with regard to the need the Red Cross is trying to meet. For the information of the joint committee, yesterday we also circulated data from the Red Cross on the payments it has made to date, but that process is ongoing.