Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It is being done. We must deal with the independent review as we tackle our priorities, which relates to the conversation we have had up to now. What lessons are to be learned and what issues arise for the future are matters that can and should be looked at?

There has been much discussion about what happened at Iniscarra. My understanding is that if the water came over the top of the dam, all the hydrological expertise available to the ESB suggested that far more water would have come down into the valley at that point. The question of structural damage to the dam may also have come into play by holding back water, given the amount of water coming against the dam at the time. These are technical matters that can and will be addressed in due course. Having spoken to sitting county managers in Cork when I visited the city on Monday, I know they are very much of the view that this matter can be dealt with in the aftermath of the immediate emergency issues arising for individuals.

These are matters for later. The immediate point is to deal with the issue as it arises, provide assistance where possible and to do this in as flexible a way as possible that is consistent with principles of public accountability for public funds. We must consider how to assist affected businesses apart from the insurance cover that they have. The matter is being dealt with by the Tánaiste's office as we speak.

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