James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I would like the Deputy to recall what she promised 800 people at a public meeting in Athlone back in 1991. This is something that has not happened. It is why so many people are victims of serious flooding today. The key to alleviating flooding for those in rural areas is to maintain waterways. Several Members have spoken about cleaning and dredging rivers, but this has not happened since the arterial drainage scheme of the 1960s. It is shameful for the Government to have neglected the people of this country. Ministers come in here and shed crocodile tears and pretend that they are doing something, but they are doing nothing.

See this speech in context