Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegation for its excellent presentation. In my couple of years in the Dáil dealing with this matter this matter has been the most disappointing experience for me because we have debated the topic so many times. Last year the IFA approached me about the issue and that was the first time that I had to deal with it. I have never been a Deputy before but even as a county councillor the subject of flooding did not come at us that big. Last year was the first time that I had to deal with the matter.

As I am sure the IFA is aware, it organised a meeting on the River Shannon. I attended and was well educated by the people there who explained the situation to me. One could not miss the frustration felt by all of the farmers. There was talk of some man who said in desperation that he would blow up the dam rather than let flooding return for another summer. The meeting appeared to generate a little momentum. This is where my political naivety comes in because I thought that there was some political momentum. I spoke to Mr. Silke in detail, as did my parliamentary assistant who is an engineer and has a good understanding of the area. We examined to him how we could push the topic. A meeting then took place between Department officials and the Minister responsible, Deputy Hayes, was present. My understanding of the meeting was that we needed to do a PR job and get the information out that a study was going to be done and nothing could happen until then. It was an emergency situation with farmers on the verge of suicide in some cases so something had to be done. I decided to kick up a row about it in order that something might be done. Subsequently, a meeting took place in the AV room at Leinster House which Deputy Hayes openly said he had been bumped into. I wish that he had not said that but he did. This is where the IFA's problem lies. Earlier today it asked if the committee cannot do anything then who can. The IFA will throw its hat at the problem. The committee is the only game in town for the IFA because we are the only people who can do anything.

The IFA is aware of how the parliamentary system works but I shall explain it. The Minister is the boss and one must try to influence him. It is a question of where there is a will, there is a way. Is there a will? It is quite clear what needs to be done. There have been umpteen reports. This good report was put together by Deputy Corcoran Kennedy and the rest of the people involved so it is clear what needs to be done. We know what needs to be done. We have a problem with silting needs to be cleared. We need one body to control the silt removal which was recommended but it did not happen.

One of the big things that come to my mind is that the job of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which seems to be the blocker on an awful lot of these things is to preserve rare wildlife. It is extraordinary what Mr. Silke told us, and we heard it before, that the actions of the NPWS has destroyed the future for the corncrake in the area. It is bad enough that there is no action but its is worse that the body who is meant to preserve creatures has created a situation where they will not be around any more. A lot more needs to be done. Unfortunately, Leinster House will always be a talking shop unless the man with the power to pull the lever does so. The Minister knows what must be done and he must do it. There is no point compiling more reports because if we do we will have to cut down more trees which in turn will lead to more flooding.

The delegation is probably aware that I have had my differences with the IFA on other matters. I have dealt with a lot of people since I came here two years ago. Having had dealings with the delegation I can vouch that they are a credit to the IFA. I wish that people would listen to Mr. Silke. We met him and one was left in no doubt that he wanted a solution and works really hard. Unfortunately, he does not seem to have got anything back. Perhaps my saying it will put some pressure on the Minister. I hope that it will.