Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 144: To ask the Minister for Finance the total allocation of funding made under the European Solidarity Fund for the flooding of November 2009; the conditions attached to these funds; the plans for the dispersal of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47927/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department made an application to the EU Commission for funding under the EU Solidarity Fund. 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. 111.5m euro of the 276.9m euro costs to the State were eligible for assistance under the EU Solidarity Fund criteria or 21.4% of total direct costs. This included damage to roads, infrastructure, the provision of temporary accommodation and the costs incurred by the rescue services. 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.

The Commission informed the Department on 14th September 2010 that it is proposing financial aid amounting to 13.02m euro in response to Ireland's application to the EU Solidarity Fund. This amount has been confirmed by the European Parliament and the European Council by way of an amending budget procedure.

The funds received will be used to recoup in part the significant expenditure incurred by the State in responding to the emergency. As soon as the budget appropriations become available, consultation will begin with the relevant Departments and local authorities to determine how the money will be recouped to them.