Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

While I thank the Taoiseach for that reply, I am concerned it shows a disconnect between his perception of the experience Ireland underwent in the period around Christmas and the reality. Is the Taoiseach seriously suggesting the response was satisfactory and that the damage that has been done does not need further investment? What are the lessons that may now be learned from what was, generally speaking, an issue of a loss of confidence among the public that the Government cared? It did not help that the Minister was in another country where there was not such a crisis.

In terms of the lessons learned, does the Taoiseach accept we cannot have a repeat of this in the future? For example, what is he doing to ensure we have adequate supplies of sand and grit? What discussions have been held with the committee and the local authorities to ensure supplies are available, should there be a recurrence of such severe weather? Who convenes this committee? Why was there such an inordinate delay in calling the first meeting of that committee when it was clear to people on the ground, who were experiencing very extreme problems as a result of the weather, that an exceptional response was required from a Government that did not seem to care?

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