Seán Connick (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I reject the accusation that nothing has been done. As the Deputy is aware, there was an immediate and swift response to the difficulties which people had. My colleagues across several different Departments were involved in setting up measures in terms of funding for people who were badly affected and also dealing with local authorities to examine the level of flooding which took place. As the Deputy is aware, a number of investigations are taking place across the country. I do not accept the Deputy's contention that nothing has been done.

Farming, like every other industry, has to work in conjunction with nature. We all want to protect the environment and our flood plains. It is difficult when one sees the situation which has developed whereby people may have built on flood plains. It is another issue which we may deal with at some stage in the future. I live in New Ross and have dealt with flooding on an ongoing basis because I operated beside a river. I am acutely aware of the awful hardship which is suffered by people when they experience this.

From an agricultural perspective, the bottom line is that the directive is about ensuring clean water. Farmers have to deal with environmental situations on a daily basis. We cannot deal with pollution which is caused by heavy rain or flooding. We have to work together to ensure we get the right balance.

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