126 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Finance the position in relation to flood relief payments to be administered by the Red Cross; the basis on which compensation will be calculated and paid; when he envisages such payments will issue; the total resources to be allocated to this scheme; the number of applications received to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3538/01]

The Irish Red Cross Society – IRCS – who are administering the Government's humanitarian aid scheme for victims of severe flooding throughout the country in the period 5-7 November has completed its assessment of applications received from around the country. It must be emphasised the scheme is one of humanitarian aid to assist affected victims to get back on their feet and not compensation.

The criteria used by the IRCS required claimants to prove hardship under one or more of the following headings to qualify for assistance: death; serious injury; homelessness; damage to home; loss of income; and extreme hardship.