No financial bailout for victims, says Taoiseach

A STATE bailout for flood victims will be considered only in cases of extreme hardship, according to An Taoiseach Brian Cowen.

Mr Cowen, who conducted a whistle-stop tour yesterday of areas devastated by the floods, said the Government would discuss the impact of the damage at today’s cabinet meeting.

Speaking in Cork where 18,000 households remain without water, Mr Cowen ruled out the possibility of a comprehensive financial aid package. His comments came as Labour called on the Government to apply for funding from an EU solidarity fund set up after flooding devastated Germany and Austria in 2002.