Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leader for organising the statement yesterday by Minister of State, Deputy Simon Harris, on the flooding situation around the country. Our thoughts remain with the home owners and businesses that have been flooded in recent days and those who are on high alert as a result of rising rivers throughout the country. I hope there will be a break in the weather in the coming days. It is, as a previous speaker has said, only right that we would acknowledge the wonderful work being done by the local crisis management teams through the local authorities with the back up of the Army, Civil Defence and the first services. They have been supported by emergency responders and volunteers in the local communities. Thanks to their efforts, many homes and businesses have been saved from the worst effects of flooding. For those who have been affected, I welcome the Minister's confirmation yesterday that the €5 million to be made available to small businesses and administered by the Red Cross would have the minimum of red tape. Householders are reminded that they can access the humanitarian aid through the Department of Social Protection. I thank the Department for agreeing to open a temporary office in Ballinasloe from this Friday onwards to facilitate the people in the area who have been impacted. When the floods recede there is much work to be done. I hope a renewed urgency will be given to the CFRAMS programme. I was disappointed to learn this morning that a decision on Dunkellin drainage scheme, being progressed by Galway County Council and which was expected from An Bord Pleanála before Christmas will not be available until February. An Bord Pleanála needs to get into the real world and realise the urgency of this decision.

An issue that needs to be discussed is that of insurance for homes and businesses that have been flooded. Even in situations where flood defences have been put in place and they are working satisfactorily, insurance companies still refuse to insure those home owners. We need a full debate on the attitude of the insurance industry in the new year.