Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

I thank the Senator for raising this matter on the Adjournment. On my behalf and on behalf of the Government I express sympathy to everyone affected by the recent landslides in north Mayo, as articulated by the Senator. I have had firsthand reports from a number of people there. It was a traumatic experience for everyone and my heart goes out to them.

The impact and extent of the damage caused by the landslides has been considered by the Government and I am pleased to announce that the Government has decided to initiate an ex gratia scheme of humanitarian assistance to relieve hardship caused to individual householders by the landslide. The scheme will be administered through the Office of Public Works with aid distributed by the Irish Red Cross Society.

I emphasise that the aim of the scheme is to provide humanitarian assistance to relieve hardship and not to compensate for losses. The criteria for determining eligibility for assistance will be similar to previous humanitarian aid schemes namely, death, serious injury, homelessness, damage to home, loss of income or extreme hardship. My officials in the Office of Public Works will be in touch with the Irish Red Cross Society and Mayo County Council over the next few days with a view to putting the scheme in place with immediate effect. Through the Irish Red Cross Society, I am confident that all applications for aid will be assessed and dealt with speedily, confidentially and sympathetically.

With regard to the position on the ground, in response to a request from Mayo County Council, the Office of Public Works has provided machinery and personnel to assist the county council in the initial clean-up of mud and debris. The question of repairing damage to infrastructure is a matter for consideration by the local authority in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

I reiterate my sympathy and concern for the victims of the landslides in north Mayo and I hope the measures I have announced will help to relieve the hardship experienced by all those affected.