Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have some brief questions for the Minister of State. First, is it the Government's intention to introduce legislation along the lines of what has been done in the United Kingdom to make it compulsory for insurance companies to insure against flooding for reasonable cost? Second, can the Minister give me an assurance that funds will not be diverted from the regeneration project in Limerick, and that this will be separate funding? Third, I welcome the provision of €15 million but does he consider it will be enough? In my opinion it will not be enough. Is it the Government's intention to increase provision if this is deemed to be insufficient? Fourth, has any application been made to the European Union for funding? My understanding from a contribution in the Seanad last week by the Minister of State, Deputy Costello, was that we would not be eligible under the EU funding scheme. The Taoiseach, on the other hand, stated today that he was examining the possibility of applying to the EU. Bizarrely, he mentioned the time the Rhine flooded. I am not too concerned about people living on the banks of the old River Rhine; I am concerned about people living on the banks of the Shannon, in Limerick. What is the position about applying to the EU for funding?

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