Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There are a number of points to consider to ensure that we do not simply walk out of it and nothing happens. Deputy Corcoran Kennedy helpfully said that the Taoiseach has asked Deputy Martin Heydon to pull the various reports together. A discussion on this that was to take place in the Dáil was cancelled because of the outcome of the Smithwick tribunal but discussion on this needs to take place. There is a question about who reigns supreme in terms of who is in charge. Everybody here knows that if everyone is in charge nobody is in charge and nothing will happen. My opinion and my party's position on this is that the OPW should be in charge. Just so that we are not trying to play handball off a haystack, there seems to be agreement between the Independents, Sinn Féin, Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Labour Party on this. If, collectively, we could decide, with the Chairman's leadership, to pursue this issue, we need, first, to nail down the lead authority and second, to have a discussion in the Dáil on the report which Deputy Corcoran Kennedy championed and drove forward. It is a very useful report and contains eight recommendations. It would be helpful if we could drive the process towards a solution.

I do not wish to speak for anyone else in the room, but the preference seems to be for the OPW. That would coincide with what was said at previous meetings. If legislation is required to give the OPW supreme power and to tip the balance in its favour, let us do that. Legislation is our responsibility.

We must begin discussion on short-term relief works. The witnesses spoke about an improvement of 0.61 metres, or 2 ft. That could give immediate relief to farmers in the area and would be of major benefit. Sometimes one foot of water can be critical.