Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 199: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the emergency funds to be made available to each local authority to deal with the cost to date in 2009 of flood assistance and emergency works required to prevent further damage from flooding in the coming weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45085/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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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. I will circulate these reports to other Government Departments and Agencies for consideration and appropriate action. I have recently announced the provision of supplementary funding amounting to €10m to assist local authorities in meeting the exceptional costs associated with the current flooding crisis. My Department will be in touch with the local authorities concerned in the coming days to make appropriate arrangements.

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 an initial sum 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.