Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputies Doherty and Mac Lochlainn for raising this important matter. I would like to join them at the outset to express sincere appreciation to our firefighters who have worked tirelessly to tackle the wildfires which have afflicted many parts of the country in recent days. I am glad to place on record the Government's appreciation to all those agencies, including the Defence Forces, the Garda Síochána and Civil Defence, which have been working closely together to respond rapidly and appropriately to the situation as it has developed. The worst affected region has been Donegal, but other seriously affected counties include Mayo, Galway, Cavan, Monaghan, Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, Meath and Louth.

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan); Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):

The unseasonal dry and hot weather since the Government took office has created the conditions for wild land fires-----

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