Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has provided additional funding to the rural areas affected by recent flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47025/09]

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 64: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to assist the rural communities affected by the recent flooding; if he has visited the communities affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47026/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 64 together.

I am well aware of the widespread difficulties caused by the recent flooding, having visited some of the communities affected and seen the damage at close hand. I would like to reassure those affected of the Government's concerns in regard to the hardship caused by these events. In relation to funding, as the Deputy is aware, the Minister for Finance announced in Budget 2010 that in excess of €70 million would be provided for the remainder of 2009 and into 2010 to help those affected by recent flooding and to fund works to minimise the risks of future incidents. The Deputy is also aware of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) Scheme, which is administered by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE), which provides for payments to be made to assist people in exceptional circumstances. The Minister of Finance also stated that the Government is keeping this situation under review and will commit further resources as required.