Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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248. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the criteria for applying for humanitarian assistance after the recent flooding in east Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10052/24]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme was available to businesses with up to 20 employees, (whole-time equivalents), community, voluntary and sporting bodies that through no fault of their own could not secure flood insurance. This Scheme closed to applications on 15 December 2023.

The Scheme was intended as an emergency humanitarian assistance contribution only and not as compensation for loss or a replacement for the cover provided by insurance.

Financial assistance by way of low-cost loans was immediately made available from Microfinance Ireland to businesses with up to 9 employees that could not secure loan financing from other lenders. Loan options include cashflow loans of up to €25,000, which could be used for general business purposes including restocking and other business costs. Loans for capital expenditure were also available, which could fund the refurbishment of premises, or the replacement of equipment damaged by the floods.