Dáil Éireann - Volume 527 - 05 December, 2000

Written Answers. - Flood Relief.

159. D'fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Forbartha Tuaithe an bhfuil aon pholasaí aige faoi chúiteamh le haghaidh na bhfeirmeoirí a bhfuil baint na bprátaí i mbaol acu de bharr na haimsire fliche a fhágann gur gá tuilleadh daoine a fhostú mar ní féidir an t-innealra a chur ag obair ar thalamh bog. [28514/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh): The Government has already initiated an ex-gratia scheme of humanitarian assistance to relieve cases of severe hardship arising from the recent adverse weather conditions. The Red Cross Society is implementing the scheme and potato growers who have suffered exceptional losses-hardship are entitled to apply for assistance.