Gabrielle McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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451. To ask the Minister for Defence the amount paid out to date to flood affected businesses under the humanitarian assistance scheme, by county and by town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1577/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Government approved the allocation of €5 million for an emergency humanitarian support scheme to small businesses and community, sporting and voluntary bodies which through no fault of their own have been unable to secure flood insurance and have been flooded recently. The Irish Red Cross have agreed to administer the scheme.

The Irish Red Cross Society is an independent charitable organisation with full power to manage its own affairs. I, as Minister for Defence have no function in the administration of the Irish Red Cross Society and do not get involved in the day to day running of its affairs.

The Irish Red Cross are continuing to receive applications and payments are being made on a daily basis. The closing date for receipt of applications is 31 January 2016. The Irish Red Cross will complete a summary report following an assessment of all applications received. I will arrange for a copy of the report to be sent to the Deputy.