Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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2102. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount of funding provided to an organisation (details supplied) requested by his Department to administer an emergency humanitarian support scheme to assist small businesses, community, voluntary and sporting bodies return to their pre-flood condition in the aftermath of flooding in County Donegal during the week of 22 August 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37782/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The Government is allocating €2m to be distributed as emergency humanitarian support to small businesses and community, sporting and voluntary bodies in County Donegal which through no fault of their own

have been unable to secure flood insurance and have been flooded following the exceptionally heavy rainfall of August 22nd and 23rd.

The scheme is aimed at providing a contribution to the costs of returning premises to their pre-flood condition including the replacement of flooring, fixtures and fittings and damaged stock. It only applies to premises that have been flooded and it is intended as an emergency humanitarian assistance contribution rather than compensation for loss or a replacement for the cover provided by insurance.

The emergency nature of the response to the difficulties of organisations affected by the flooding required a speedy process in order to meet their needs. In this regard a two step approach is being taken, involving an initial application which, if successful would lead to a quick payment, capped at €5,000 per property.

It is recognised that some premises have suffered significant damages over and above the €5,000 threshold and these will require a more detailed assessment of losses incurred. The second stage of the scheme will be a more lengthy process requiring a detailed assessment and will provide the scope for a further financial contribution with the total payment available for both stages combined capped at €20,000.