Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the three Deputies. I join with them in thanking the emergency services and all those who stood up in the past week and helped so many businesses and families during what has been a most awful and devastating time.

As the Deputies know, today the Government announced an emergency flood relief scheme to provide aid to businesses and community, voluntary and sporting bodies directly affected by the recent weather events in counties Cork, Waterford, Limerick, Louth and Kilkenny. A second enhanced scheme will allow for higher levels of financial support due to the fact that the impact has been more severe. The scheme will provide a contribution towards the cost of returning businesses premises and community, voluntary and sporting bodies to their pre-flood condition, including the replacement of flooring, fixtures and fittings and damaged stock. The Red Cross will administer these schemes on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

The first stage of application will commence immediately and provide a contribution of up to €5,000 depending on the scale of damage incurred, with the intention to process payments as speedily as possible through the local authorities. To access enhanced payments, applicants will need to go through a more detailed assessment process, including a physical inspection, with the total level of support available at both stages capped at €20,000.

The enhanced emergency business flooding scheme will have an enhanced initial payment of €10,000 and a maximum support level of €100,000, subject to an assessment of the damages caused. A second payment of up to €100,000 will require a more detailed assessment, including physical inspection and will be subject to spot checks and possible audit at a later date.

In addition to the flooding schemes, financial assistance by way of low cost loans is immediately available from Microfinance Ireland. Small businesses can get loan financing from other lenders. Loan options include cash flow loans of up to €25,000, which can be used for general business purposes, including restocking and other business costs. Loans for capital expenditures are also available to fund the refurbishment of premises or the replacement of equipment damaged by the floods.

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