Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In line with the commitment in the programme for Government, we are establishing a scheme. Specifically for this event, we need to be clear that the first recourse for businesses is through their insurance to cover them for damage, loss of earnings and spoilage of stock. That is the critical way in which they seek recourse. It is very different from flood damage where businesses could not get insurance. That is a very different scenario. We are establishing a scheme. I also point out that, regarding the statutory deadlines businesses face through the CRO and the Revenue Commissioners, we have worked to ensure there is significant leeway for businesses if they fail to meet their regulatory requirements at this time.

For the key impacted areas, as I have said, the Department of agriculture has stepped up with a scheme for horticulture. We will be assisting on a lot of agricultural damage that happened. For businesses, we need to work to establish a statutory scheme in future, on which work is under way. At this time, the first recourse for businesses is through their insurance companies. If there are any specific cases, the local enterprise offices, LEOs, are very happy to work with businesses and support them in any way we can.

See this speech in context