Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Finance the progress to date on availing of EU funds to assist with 2009 flood damage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25690/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department made an application to the EU Commission on 27th January 2010 for funding under the EU Solidarity Fund based on estimates of damage received from Departments and local authorities. The application was formally acknowledged by the Commission on 24th February 2010. The EU Solidarity Fund does not fund full reconstruction nor does it fund prevention works. It funds emergency operations to allow a rapid return to normal living conditions. A regional application was made as the estimate of the extent of the damage does not meet the Solidarity Fund's threshold of 0.6% of GNI or 935.5m euro for a national disaster. There are specific criteria which must be met to ensure a successful regional application to the EU Solidarity Fund. These criteria include the majority of the population of the region being affected by the disaster and serious and long lasting effects on the region's economic stability and living conditions. My Department, with the assistance of other Departments and agencies, has finalised the costs underpinning the application. The finalised application was sent to the Commission on 15th June 2010. The Commission will now assess the application, in light of the eligibility criteria, to determine if aid from the Solidarity Fund will be made available.