Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I have been tabling questions on this subject in the House for well over 20 years. I have heard the same reply and, whenever an emergency arises, we get the same report, namely, that a study group will review the situation. We are in July and heading towards the next winter snap. It is a disgrace that, six months after the last event, there is still no co-ordinated and properly integrated plan in place.

Unfortunate people throughout the length and breadth of this country, from Cork to Westmeath and from Kildare to Galway, were marooned for weeks. Does the Minister not recognise that the time is long past for statements on what he will do next time? What has been learned from the experience of recent years and how quickly can the Government put in place the emergency operation? Who is in control?

See this speech in context