Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

At present, people are dealing with severe personal and business hardships. When the floods recede we will assess other damage. That will be done in the context of local actions which have taken place and will continue to take place. Unfortunately, this matter will take a considerable time. There will be further assessment of future work needed to address issues which arise from the flooding. This is an initial and immediate response. There are mechanisms for the provision of supports and they will be provided following further assessment by the group and further advice to the Cabinet. The Taoiseach and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, with the local committees, are assessing the situation today.

With regard to the new legislative measures following from the Lisbon treaty, the Chief Whip is meeting the Attorney General and I believe a meeting will take place with the Minister, the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad and your own Office, a Cheann Comhairle, to address the issue. I will revert to the Deputy later today on this matter.

We should have had further discussions on the matter of social partnership today. Although I was not informed personally, I was advised of IBEC's decision yesterday evening through the Taoiseach's office. With regard to the pay terms of the transitional agreement, the Minister for Finance made it clear, on 4 February last, what the issues are with regard to the private sector. The action of IBEC is disappointing. The agreement contained robust inability to pay mechanisms, specifically designed to address the current economic realities. It is disappointing that this has happened and I am sure we will have further discussions about this issue in due course.

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