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

I thank the representatives of the various organisations before us. Mr. Dempsey is correct that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul cannot deal with a catastrophe of this scale on a regular basis. I understand the OPW flood relief funding can only be used if water enters a house through a front door. Ms Powell would not have any problem qualifying on that front.

Last year, a sizeable amount of the allocation for flood relief was not spent. As I recall, the relevant Minister indicated to me in reply to a parliamentary question that more than €7 million was not spent last year. Is the delegation and are local authorities in the relevant areas aware of this? Unless one fixes a leaking pipe, one will have to mop up the floor all day. It is easier to fix the leak.

I do not wish to simplify this issue because many towns are built on flood plains and easy solutions are not always available. There is no doubt that Ireland is experiencing more severe weather events than previously, with huge amounts of rainfall now common within a matter of an hour or over several hours. Much more could be done in terms of flood relief works. An example was provided by Deputy Denis Naughten recently when he noted in the case of the Shannon flood plain that a bog could be used for attenuation purposes to take some of the surplus water for a number of days. Such imaginative proposals must be considered.

I am interested in the proposed scheme. It is easy to identify the problems and I know it has been painful for the witnesses to outline their experience of flooding. It is great that they have also produced a solution in the form of the proposed pilot scheme. What evidence do they have of the existence of an insurance cartel? This would be a serious matter if it were found to be true. I do not doubt the passion with which the witnesses have made their case and expressed their concerns. The State cannot sail along and hope the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will pick up the tab as to do so would not be practicable. As a householder in an area that does not flood, I would be happy to pay €2 or €20 each year to show solidarity with people in the areas affected by flooding.

Mr. O'Donovan, in his graphic description, noted that his parents' house was located on ground 100 ft. above his own house.

Throughout the country, it is often brought to our attention that an area is damned if there is a house flooded in it. It does not matter how high the other houses are. A town with a row of houses on a steep decline to a river that may not have flooded since the time of Noah's ark and which will never be flooded again may be blacklisted because of its being in a certain electoral division. Has any progress been made with representatives of the Irish Insurance Federation or insurance industry on this serious matter?

What is the position on insurance and evidence of cartels? With regard to the scheme, a version of the one I mentioned would be very worthwhile. It is good to see the delegates coming forward with proposals. The other issue concerns the OPW and local authorities.