Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)

Following on from Deputy Jim O'Keeffe's question, has the Taoiseach considered businesses, which have suffered considerable damage, that have not been able to obtain insurance because they are located in recognised flood areas? Is it possible that the funding proposal referred to by the Taoiseach can be extended to businesses?

In terms of Standing Orders, given that we are in the midst of an emergency, can the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government come into the House today to update us on the position by way of a statement regarding particular local authorities? In particular, can he confirm to the House that retained fire fighters in the western region have been precluded from responding to flood-related calls? They are retained fire fighters who have been instructed by the local authorities not to come on duty.

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