Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I commend the community spirit in the areas that were devastated by flooding. I witnessed some of it along with the Deputy, including in Midleton. Many of the businesses have already reopened and are getting great support within the local community. The Red Cross is administering the scheme to which the Deputy referred. One of the conditions of the scheme is that only small businesses which, through not fault of their own, could not secure flood insurance are eligible. The Deputy has raised a valid and specific issue, namely, that there are people who have insurance but who cannot get cover for the first amount, whatever that may be, in terms of excess within their policies. I will raise that specific issue with the Minister, Deputy Coveney, who has line responsibility for the scheme.

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