Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

First, I join Deputy Timmins in again sympathising with the Grene family. I understand that the body of Mr. Grene has been recovered today in the United Nations headquarters building. He was a person who was committed to public service and to helping the poor and deprived and was well regarded in the United Nations. The Government sends its deepest sympathy to his family. Other Irish citizens who are there at present have been involved in much good work in recent years, one of whom I know personally. I wish them well and hope they are able to contribute positively in the present as they have done in the past. I make the point that the Government established the rapid response corps in the aftermath of the tsunami and some personnel from that corps have gone to Haiti in recent days. While it is a small number, the people concerned are committed and have expertise in areas that would be of assistance in the emergency which has enveloped that country.

Third, I will not repeat my earlier comments to Deputy Kenny regarding the response of local authority personnel when dealing with what was an extremely difficult situation over Christmas. The emergency co-ordination unit, despite criticism from the Opposition, worked hard, co-ordinated well and ameliorated what could have been an even worse situation.

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