47 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for Finance the action, if any, he proposes to take to alleviate further flooding in south Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the seriousness of this situation; if he will compensate the victims in this regard; the date on which this will be done; the amount of money to be allocated in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5987/97]

The causes of flooding in south Galway and its alleviation are being investigated by the specialist consultants appointed by the Commissioners of Public Works in 1995 and whose report will be available later this year.

I am aware that there has been recent flooding in south Galway. I sympathise with those who have suffered in any way as a result of the flooding. However, until the final report is available from the consultants it is not possible to proceed with any new substantive works.

There are no provisions either in the 1997 EU budget or the Government's 1997 Estimates to compensate victims of the recent flooding.