The Tánaiste’s backing calls from a Government colleague for insurance Companies to make upfront payments to flooding victims.

Minister Billy Kelleher says some money should be handed over now to people, rather than waiting to go through what can be a long assessment process.

And Mary Coughlan agrees, saying she intends meeting insurers and banks to ensure they offer support to people.

“He’s quite right in saying that we need some support from the insurance companies – on the basis that people want to get back to doing their business as quickly as possible, especially coming up to the Christmas time” she said.

“Immediately the government is dealing with hardship cases and we’re dealing with very…much the day-to-day impact that the flooding is having on people and their homes”.

“We’ll be meeting with the banks and perhaps even the insurance companies to make sure they are in a position to support these people as quickly as possible” she added.