Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

When will the consultants be appointed and what timescale does he have in mind for implementing that scheme? Early intervention is critical for people at this stage. The Minister for Social and Family Affairs should recognise that community welfare officers are already overburdened with work. Perhaps another mechanism could be used, such as the Red Cross or other organisations, to implement humanitarian assistance.

Will the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government agree with our suggestion to assess independently the protocols on communication or other matters that obviously fell down in some places in respect of the heavy rainfall? Will he put in place the necessary protocols to ensure that this does not happen again?

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