Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Deputy McCormack got the job done in his area. Well done to him. I stress that this is a more medium to long-term issue. It is also a capital works issue and it must be addressed. The immediate priority is that those who are experiencing hardship must be assisted. Members of the agricultural community are also experiencing difficulties as a result of recent events. We must also continue with the scheme of capital works.

With regard to the other matters raised by Deputies Gilmore and Kenny, various needs are emerging. As such needs are assessed, a response will be forthcoming, but we need to do that in a way that does not put the Government in loco the insurance industry. There are contingencies that are insurable and that are covered and which will rightly have to be discharged. Taxpayers and the Government have to step in where necessary to alleviate hardship and ensure that people's short-term needs are met as they seek to return to normality as the emergency passes.

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