Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I welcome the request for the information concerned. Will the Minister broaden the request to take into account all factors that might have contributed to the flooding that took place in November and early December? Notwithstanding the reliance on climate change issues, there should be more reliance on drainage issues, the need for which has been clearly identified over a number of years. I accept the Minister is aware of the situation himself, although the recent replies to some of my parliamentary questions would not seem to indicate that. The public is concerned and the European institutions are ready to provide backup funding provided that a careful and adequate assessment is carried out of the contributory causes of the flooding. Will the Minister confirm to the House that this will be done, and that the emphasis will be put on the prevention of any recurrence, which can be done with a little effort?

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