State’s response to Cork floods ‘pathetic’

The State’s emergency fund response to Cork’s flood disaster has been branded as “pathetic,” with government ministers accused of peddling “meaningless, empty rhetoric” about financial aid.

Brendan Dempsey, the Cork regional vice president of the St Vincent De Paul, launched a broadside on the Government yesterday exactly two weeks on from the flood.

He said red tape is strangling the ability of community welfare officers to make swift pay-outs to some of the worst affected.

And the means-tested payments will only go a fraction of way towards meeting the full cost of repairs faced by flood victims, he said.

“I would plead with the Government to cut the red tape that’s binding the welfare officers,” Mr Dempsey said.

“The first thing they have to ask you for is your PPS number. That’s the first thing you’re faced with — bureaucracy. You’re hitting red tape straight away.”

Dozens of householders in Glanmire, Douglas, Ballyvolane and Clonakilty were swamped by up to five feet of water triggered by monsoon rains two weeks ago.

Many families will be out of their homes for up to six months as they continue to negotiate with insurance companies.

Jan O’Sullivan, the housing minister, who was in Cork yesterday to launch Cork Simon’s annual report on homelessness, defended the State’s financial aid response.

“The fund has been agreed by government and it should be getting to the people who need it most,” Ms O’Sullivan said.

“There doesn’t seem to be a reason why it shouldn’t be getting to the people who need it. I’m not aware of any particular technical difficulties.

“Once the announcement is made, that means the money has been provided.

“If there are problems, I would want to identify them and ensure that whatever obstacles are there, are taken away immediately because people need the support.”

Environment Minister Phil Hogan told the Dáil days after the flood that the Government would make money available to the Irish Red Cross to help uninsured flood victims.

This is despite packages of up to €10m being made available to victims of previous floods.

Householders in Cork who have been affected have been told to contact the Red Cross, or their local community welfare officer, where their claims will be means-tested.

The Department of Social Protection can make special payments to people affected by flood to offset immediate needs, and to help with the purchase of food, clothing, fuel and household goods.

“Officials have made house-to-house calls to individuals they have identified as being vulnerable at this difficult time,” the department said.

“In addition, emergency clinics may be established if required to offer help to households.”

Mr Dempsey urged people struggling to cope with the aftermath of the flood to contact St Vincent De Paul.