Flood relief scheme will not pay out until January

People affected by last week's flooding will not get Government payouts until next January at the earliest.

The Dáil will tomorrow hear an application for the Government to begin securing funds for the victims of the floods.

The Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Mr Tom Parlon, will make the application under the Government Flood Relief Scheme on behalf of the Office of Public Works.

Subject to approval, the OPW will call on the Irish Red Cross (IRC) to visit the homes of people affected by the floods to make an independent assessment. The IRC's report will then be referred back to the Government before any payments are authorised.

An OPW spokeswoman said the process should take around eight to ten weeks before people receive compensation. Households in the Ringsend and East Wall areas of Dublin who were affected last February were largely compensated within two months, she said.

Application forms for relief are available from Dublin City Council or the IRC. The form is available on the IRC website, www.redcross.ie. There is also a designated Freephone number: 1800-923424. Applicants are advised that the closing date for the receipt of completed applications forms is Friday, December 6th, 2002.

Those seeking aid will have to prove hardship under one or more of a number of areas, including serious injury, homelessness, severe damage to property or loss of income. Applicants are also advised to contact their insurance companies.

Mr Parlon has emphasised that the purpose of the Scheme is to provide humanitarian assistance to relieve hardship and not compensation.