Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the progress made with the relocation scheme for those whose houses were flooded in November 2009; when a decision will be made in relation to relocation money for these persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5292/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Government has provided various types of support to people affected by the November 2009 flooding. Humanitarian Aid payments were made, both in the immediate aftermath of the flooding and subsequently to enable eligible households to resume living at their home. Flood relief works were also undertaken in some of the affected areas and other works are at an advanced state of preparation. Discussions took place with representatives of the insurance industry regarding giving households access to appropriate house insurance at a reasonable cost.

The Government is aware that for various reasons, a small number of people have been unable to resume living at their home and others, while they have resumed living at their home, are still faced with significant problems arising from the flooding. The Government is also aware that some householders who are continuing to experience significant housing problems as a result of the November 2009 flooding are considering the possibility of relocating rather than resuming living at their original home.

In light of this, the Government has decided that support may be available in such cases where:

1. Serious and permanent damage has been caused to the family home by

the November 2009 flooding;

2. There is a high probability of a recurrence of serious flooding because of

flood depth, duration or frequency on a scale that could further damage

the family home;

3. The house cannot be protected from flooding at an economically feasible

cost;

4. The household is unable to secure insurance against flooding as a result

of the November 2009 floods.

Support will only be considered for relocation in cases where the cost of remedial works would exceed the cost of relocation, as determined by the Office of Public Works (OPW). The following considerations will also apply:

1. The gross cost of relocation underpinning the level of support provided will not exceed the cost of providing a reasonable home in the area in question, as determined by the local authority;

2. The existing house must be demolished and the site must be rehabilitated, which may require planning permission from the local authority;

3. If the household has settled a claim with their insurance company, the funds provided in settlement of that claim will be taken into account in determining the amount of funding, if any, provided for relocation. Beneficiaries will be required to instruct their insurance company to provide information in that regard.

The households in question have been visited by officials from the Department and a report of their individual circumstances has now been completed. The OPW are to provide a detailed report for each household outlining the problems in the areas in question, what works if any have been completed in the area or are planned for the area. OPW are also to provide an assessment of the likelihood of future flooding having regard to the works that have already taken place or are scheduled to take place. An initial batch of these reports has been received from the OPW with the balance expected shortly. When all of this information is received it will be collated and decisions on any further assistance for the households in question will then be taken.