Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 249: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the recent flooding in County Clare he will provide emergency funding to the town councils in Ennis and Kilrush and to Clare County Council to facilitate remedial works and to compensate families whose homes were flooded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43467/09]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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My Department will shortly ask the local authorities for reports on the consequences of the flooding and an assessment of the remedial works required. The reports, when received, will form part of the consideration of funding allocations for 2010. I will circulate these reports to other Government Departments and Agencies for consideration and any action which may be needed to address the matters raised for which they have responsibility.

I am conscious that in addition to the trauma caused by the flooding, people also suffer financial loss arising from the damage caused to their property. The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered by the Community Welfare Division of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs, is designed to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. The Government has announced the provision of €10 million for emergency flood relief to be administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and €2 million for the agricultural sector.