Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I agree that in recent days we have seen weather conditions which have wreaked devastation and caused problems in many places. The flooding is causing many problems in certain areas and continues to be monitored. The insurance policies people have on their homes and businesses will take effect. With regard to those in exceptional need or experiencing hardship as a result of what has happened, community welfare officers are available - including today - on a one-to-one basis to assist those who require food, clothing, bedding, etc. In addition, there has been a decision made by the Government to open an additional fund, starting at €10 million, for humanitarian assistance. A clean-up operation will begin in the coming days, assuming the situation does not deteriorate further, for which we will be watching weather patterns in the days ahead. Once the clean-up operation proceeds, other needs which people may have will emerge but the humanitarian aid scheme will assist those suffering most hardship.

The question of fodder relief also arises. Cattle are being moved to higher ground. Teagasc and other agencies will make an assessment on a county-by-county basis, using front-line knowledge to determine what can be achieved. The initial decision has been taken to make funds available and assessments will be made on a daily and weekly basis of what further assistance can be provided.

The response to the emergency involves local emergency plans, in which agencies and the various authorities have worked well together, and central plans, in respect of which an emergency co-ordination committee has met on an ongoing basis since last Friday when the crisis emerged. The Government is anxious to assist those suffering particular hardship in every way we can and to look at how we can ensure the flooding abates and does not continue in the days ahead.

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