Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the financial resources such as humanitarian aid, rebuilding funds and refurbishment funds being made available to residents and businesses flooded in the Dublin region in the past week separate to supplementary welfare allowances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33596/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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An inter-agency approach is underway to assist those affected by the severe flooding which occurred in Dublin and the surrounding region on 24 October 2011.

Community Welfare Officers, working in co-operation with the local authorities and the Irish Red Cross, have been contacting households and individuals identified as being particularly vulnerable, and emergency clinics have been established in the worst affected areas to help households. Some financial assistance has been provided so far on a case-by-case basis and this is expected to increase as the extent of the problems for individuals and households becomes clearer.

The Government has established a cross-Departmental/Agency Working Group, chaired by my Department, to oversee the State's collective response to those affected by the flooding. The Government has approved an amount of up to €10 million towards financial assistance. The Group will identify any gaps that may exist within existing services to address the consequences of the flooding for individuals, families and communities. If additional services are required, including humanitarian assistance, the Group will report to Government with proposals to address these issues.