Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. Can we assume the statutory scheme, when he brings it forward, will look very similar to the business flood relief and enhanced flood relief schemes? Will he give a timeline on their introduction?

I want to record my appreciation to him for the rapid response by him and his Department on the introduction of a scheme for Louth on foot of the devastating experience by many businesses in the Carlingford area of north Louth at the end of October and in early November. He will accept that bringing in schemes on anad hocbasis in response to flood events is simply not adequate. Climate change is here. This is the most demonstrable impact of climate change that people face. The devastation and havoc caused is very real. All the costs, however, cannot be socialised. There is a responsibility on the insurance industry to work with the Government to ensure those at risk can obtain flood relief cover given that climate change is here, this is its impact and the industry cannot shirk its responsibilities.

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