Tomorrow will mark one month since the devastating floods that occurred in my constituency and others, including Waterford and Cork North-Central. In the Midleton area in particular, a significant number of businesses were hit. We appreciate the support that has been given by the Government and the rapid action that has been taken but difficulties are starting to be experienced by businesses that have high excesses on their insurance. In effect, they would nearly be better off not having flood insurance because they cannot access the funding. The Minister is aware of this issue. I ask him to urgently speak to Midleton Chamber of Commerce, its members and businesses locally, as well as to Departments relevant to these schemes being paid out and to the Red Cross.

I commend the community spirit in the areas that were devastated by flooding. I witnessed some of it along with the Deputy, including in Midleton. Many of the businesses have already reopened and are getting great support within the local community. The Red Cross is administering the scheme to which the Deputy referred. One of the conditions of the scheme is that only small businesses which, through not fault of their own, could not secure flood insurance are eligible. The Deputy has raised a valid and specific issue, namely, that there are people who have insurance but who cannot get cover for the first amount, whatever that may be, in terms of excess within their policies. I will raise that specific issue with the Minister, Deputy Coveney, who has line responsibility for the scheme.