Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses. Although I am not a member of the joint committee, as a representative of Cork South-West I want to contribute to this debate because this legislation and the vision underpinning it should be supported. I commend my colleague, Deputy Michael McGrath, on the introduction of the Bill before the committee. It has been pointed out, correctly, that the Deputy has a vision. As a party, Fianna Fáil does not just talk the talk. We are actually walking the walk. Many people talk about the lack of flood insurance, but Fianna Fáil is doing something about it.

How do the witnesses view the position in west Cork at the moment? I am contacted every day by people who cannot get insurance, including some in towns where works are under way or have been completed. It is a very serious situation.