Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take questions Nos. 34 and 36 together.

I take this opportunity to acknowledge the deep personal distress and loss suffered by so many people around our country as a result of the recent flooding caused by unprecedented weather conditions. We have all seen vivid images of the impact of the floods on family homes and farms, community resources and business premises.

Local action plans were implemented to address immediate emergency responses, to rescue and safeguard people and to protect to the greatest extent possible homes and premises from the affects of flooding. These efforts are continuing. We must acknowledge the dedication and commitment of the personnel of the various authorities and agencies, public and voluntary, communities and individuals who did outstanding work in assisting with the rescue efforts.

Government focus has been on responding through the rescue efforts and in assisting those in exceptional need or experiencing hardship as a result of the flooding. Exceptional and urgent needs payments are being paid out immediately by community welfare officers to people who need immediate basics such as food, shelter, accommodation, bedding and furniture. The Deputy will be aware of the announcement of initial funding of €10 million for a humanitarian assistance scheme, operated through the Department of Social and Family Affairs, to facilitate individuals and families returning to their homes. As this is a hardship fund, such assistance will be means tested. What is being provided is not compensation but humanitarian relief for those in immediate difficulty.

Flood damage has also caused difficulties for businesses in the affected areas. While some businesses have been able to clean up and re-open others are still dealing with flooded premises and water damaged equipment and stocks. The humanitarian assistance scheme is not intended to cover business losses. It is primarily for the insurance sector to respond to such businesses under the terms of their commercial insurance policies. It is not the State's role to put itself in loco the insurance industry. Insurance companies should respond quickly to their customers' claims and ensure that payments flow back to policyholders to facilitate early resumption of business.

The banking sector too has an important role to play in supporting businesses coping with the impact of flood damage. It is imperative that such businesses receive supportive responses from banks to requests for working capital loans and re-stocking loans and for any temporary adjustments to loan facilities already in operation. I am glad to note that one main bank, Bank of Ireland, has already announced a number of measures to assist both personal and business customers in areas impacted by the recent floods. The bank is asking such customers to make contact with their local branch or the bank's emergency helpline so the bank can assess the most appropriate support as quickly as possible. Emergency working capital facilities or loan repayment deferrals for business customers can be considered.

Within my Department, the enterprise support agencies are available to offer advice to client businesses requiring assistance. The normal financial supports from these agencies remain available to clients. I have asked the County and City Enterprise Boards in the relevant areas to report to me on the effects of the flooding on their clients' businesses. The gathering of this information will intensify as businesses move to recovery stage and the extent of their needs becomes clearer. The Minister of State, Deputy Kelleher, and I will assess as a matter of urgency this information when received.

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