Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before we conclude, I have a question on subhead A15 - the humanitarian relief scheme. While the budget for this scheme was the smallest, from a humanitarian point of view it is probably the scheme that had the most effect. I note the scheme provides humanitarian support for small businesses and community, voluntary and sporting bodies which experience flood damage and have been refused flood insurance. Am I correct that this is a new area for the Department? It is important that businesses or community and voluntary bodies whose properties have been damaged following a flood can access insurance cover and so this scheme is very welcome.