Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Storm Éowyn caused enormous damage. We are all aware of the difficulties and hardships so many households, farmers and businesses experienced as a result of this unprecedented storm. The humanitarian assistance scheme introduced by the Minister, Dara Calleary, was most welcome. I thank him for that and for moving so swiftly.

Extreme weather events are more common today than ever before. I welcome the fact that the programme for Government has a commitment to develop an extreme weather event assistance scheme for homes, community organisations, farmers and businesses. I am aware that up to 27 March of this year, 28,000 claims had been awarded and more than €6.8 million paid out in respect of Storm Éowyn. The amount of damage done to homes, garages, farms, sheds, warehouses and businesses by Storm Éowyn was extensive. Not all were fully covered by insurance and, therefore, many of these properties cannot be repaired or replaced quickly enough, if cash funds are not available.

We need to have our farmers and businesses back up and running as quickly as possible so that they can survive. Many properties have taken a major hit and emergency support is needed now. Many businesses are struggling to survive. We need to provide a simple application process and proper funding to cover their losses. Many farmers in County Kerry have suffered huge losses, including lost sheds, roofs, etc., in every corner of the county. Farmers need help now. I spoke to the Minister for agriculture about this, and while the replacement of sheds and roofs later this year is obviously welcome, action is needed now. These sheds need to be replaced now. I call for that. Many properties have taken a major hit. Businesses that have struggled will simply not survive.

I will point out that not all farmers are covered by TAMS, as Deputies stated. They need to be covered as well. I am talking about active farmers. Businesses are vital to our economy but so is the farming community. I have been contacted by numerous farmers all over County Kerry, including Kilcummin, Beaufort, Killarney, Killorglin, Glencar, the parish of Glenbeigh where I live, Dromod, Cahersiveen, Brosna, Gneevgullia, Tuosist, Dingle, Rathmore, Lauragh, Kenmare, Barraduff - I might as well mention the last couple - Ballydavid, Knocknagoshel, Castleisland, Scartaglen, Ventry, Farranfore, Ballinskelligs, Waterville and Valentia Island. I have been contacted by farmers and businesses throughout mid, south, east and west Kerry. They all need our support now.

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