Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)

I will start with the words of a ten year old child rescued from the waters in Ennis on Thursday: "It was scary, it was really scary, all the water was everywhere. It was like our house was in a big puddle and all the water was going into the house, just going in and in and would not stop." Those are the words of Clodagh, a ten year old child who was rescued along with her mother and brother. There were 37 other families rescued along with them.

I met the Taoiseach yesterday when he travelled to see the devastation at first hand. I commend the work of the gardaí, the Civil Defence, the Fire Service, voluntary workers and groups who have helped out. In Ennis on Thursday, there were 42 millimetres of rain, with 36 millimetres in Shannon, compared to a norm of 6 millimetres in heavy rain. I never thought I would see waves over St. Flannan's College, which I saw on Thursday night when I assisted the emergency services.

Tonight we are on high alert again. The community of Sixmilebridge is divided in two, with the bridge cracked, which will cause huge problems for the area. There are huge problems in south-east Clare with the flooding and I appeal to ESB to be honest and let the authorities know when it is releasing water. It should do it early in the morning so the emergency services can see the devastation when Springfield and Clonlara are flooded.

This is the worst crisis ever seen in Clare and I hope the Government will offer some assistance. I have been told there is more to come.

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