Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I refer specifically to the new departure of compensating businesses, and I welcome the decision the Cabinet took in that regard today. While we can discuss the delivery of schemes and so forth, it should also be placed on record that even if the flood relief scheme for Bandon had commenced six months ago, the town would still have been flooded last Saturday night. It will take another two and a half years to complete the scheme. In the meantime, we have a responsibility to protect and look after those who are affected by flooding. For this reason, I highlight and strongly welcome today's development, which means that, for the first time in the history of the State, the Government has acknowledged its duty and responsibility to protect the business community as well as home owners. The €10 million fund to which the Tánaiste referred was already in place.

Businesses affected by flooding will go to the wall this side of Christmas because their hopes of receiving a long-awaited boost over Christmas have been destroyed.

They are trying to get back on their feet. Thankfully, every business is back open in the town of Bandon but we need to ensure the funding is made available. It must not be tied up in bureaucracy, knots, form-filling and all the associated difficulties. The money should get speedily and efficiently to where it is needed most.

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