Deirdre Clune (Fine Gael)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise the need to support householders in the Cork area who were victims of flooding almost three weeks ago. Some of those whose homes were damaged did not have insurance, although others did. In all cases, people will find it difficult to get insurance following this episode of flooding. Even if they can get insurance, it will come at a premium. The Minister for Social Protection announced that a previous humanitarian assistance scheme, which was put in place in 2010, will be extended. I would like the Minister of State to clarify who will be eligible for the scheme on this occasion. Some €10 million was allocated following flooding in Monaghan and Dublin, but just €788,000 of it was applied for. I know from my experience of dealing with people who were affected by the 2009 Cork floods that these schemes can be quite onerous. I accept that many people, including those with insurance, are not eligible. Many people found that the previous scheme was means tested. I suppose it is right that means are considered. If one has a small sum of money in one's bank account - one might be saving for a holiday - that will be considered. Very few people were eligible for the previous scheme. I would like the Minister of State to spell out who will be eligible for this scheme. How does he envisage that it will be administered? What level of means will be deemed to make one's application under the scheme ineligible?