Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Finance the outcome of his approaches to the EU for funding for flood relief; the amount of funding that he anticipates will be forthcoming; the uses to which this funding will be put; which funds are being examined; when such funding will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45285/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Different Government departments and agencies have responsibilities for specific emergency planning functions. In the event of a major emergency, the most appropriate Department or agency is designated as the lead agency to co-ordinate the response to it. In relation to flooding, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is chairing the Emergency Response Coordination Committee which meets on a daily basis to handle the current emergency situation.

When more complete information on the scale and cost of the damage arising becomes available, full consideration will be given to ways of meeting these costs, including if appropriate, making application to the EU for financial support. My Department has been in contact with the Commission to establish eligibility criteria and the scale of funding that might be available. I am also informed that the Joint Committee on European Affairs is travelling to Brussels on Friday, 4 December to meet with the Commissioner for Regional Policy, Mr. Samecki to discuss the flooding situation and opportunities for assistance from the EU under the EU Solidarity Fund.

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 124: To ask the Minister for Finance the interim plans for flood relief that will be put in place in the coming months until the proposed consultants' report is made available to the Office of Public Works; the particular initiatives that will form the consultants' brief; the reasons for the March deadline for the appointment of the consultants; the period they will be required to report in; if these time lines can be speeded up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45286/09]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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The Office of Public Works has created a Flood Hazard Maps website, www.floodmaps.ie, which carries valuable historical data on flood events, mainly from local archives, and this should be used as an interim measure by Planners and the General Public, in seeking to avoid unsustainable development. In relation to the current flood events, the Commissioners of Public Works have commissioned aerial photography of the flood extents, and will process this information for inclusion on the flood maps website.

As part of its flood awareness programme, the OPW has also developed another website, www.flooding.ie, which gives practical help and advice to homes and businesses that have flooded, or are at risk of flooding. It contains detailed information on how to prepare for flooding, and how to minimise effects and safety advice in the event of flooding.

The Commissioners of Public Works are preparing to go to tender for consultants to carry out a strategic review to assess cost benefits and operational structures for a National Flood Warning System. The purpose of undertaking a strategic review of options for Flood Forecasting and Warning (FF&W) is to: A) Examine the potential benefits that FF&W could achieve. B) Identify and assess the options for the delivery of such a service in Ireland, and C) To develop an appropriate and sustainable strategy for FF&W in Ireland.

The work will be undertaken by suitably qualified and experienced Consultants, procured following compliance with National or European rules, with the Office of Public Works funding the project and managing the review. A Steering Group involving the relevant stakeholders will participate in the review process, and time lines will be determined therefrom.