Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

On the flood relief schemes, etc., as I stated last week there is approximately €34 million being spent in programmes this year. Deputy Ó Snodaigh mentioned Clonmel. Phase one of the Clonmel scheme has been completed. Phases two and three are gone to tender, with construction probably due to start in March. On my visit there one could see the significant benefit of that project. It certainly saved that part of the town from flooding on this occasion. Similar defences in Kilkenny and Carrick-on-Suir have provided that sort of protection for many years.

Clearly, what has emerged is that part of the assessment now must be what work needs to be done in the longer term as a result of the very considerable flooding in recent weeks. There are plans in the Office of Public Works for continuing to provide flood relief works and schemes. They have certain plans up to 2014 subject to budgetary requirements. These are issues that will receive priority and have been receiving priority even at a time of tight financial constraints being imposed on the Government, and this will continue. There is also a great deal of technical work ongoing at present, all of which must be considered. There is in the Office of Public Works a recognition that this is important infrastructural work that must take place. Existing priorities and the revision of priorities arising out of what has emerged in recent weeks will form the basis for further work by the OPW in the years ahead.

On some of the issues Deputy Ó Snodaigh raised, in the revised programme for Government there is a commitment to establish an independent electoral commission incorporating the functions of the Standards in Public Office Commission with enhanced powers of inspection. That commitment will pass to the line Minister for progressing over the course of the remainder of the term of this Government.

The Deputy spoke about the question of open and transparent appointment of persons to State bodies. That does not necessarily need a legislative base. Practices have been initiated in some instances where, for example, the committees have had a say in the establishment of the NAMA commission, and the Minister for Finance invited proposals from Opposition Deputies for consideration. At the end of the day, it is the prerogative of Government to make these appointments but, obviously, one always seeks to appoint persons who fulfil the criteria necessary, who have a competence and an interest in the area, or who have shown by their activities in other occupations or professions to be capable and competent to serve on a board. This is an issue that is there for consideration.

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