Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his considered and comprehensive reply to my question. The Government's main focus since its election some months ago has been on our national recovery. Difficulties with the movement of traffic to and from the workplace only delay our national recovery and do not help the economy. Like me, I am sure other Members have experienced considerable logjams following a simple breakdown or accident and this is the motivation behind my question. A co-ordinated response is required and it should involve some of the activities mentioned by the Minister. It should also involve local authorities and, where appropriate, the emergency services.

There is no better example of where the emergency services needed to be involved than yesterday and the experience we all had returning home from work. When I eventually arrived home from the House, I was struck by the comments made by a number of people that but for the support of 98FM, they would not have had much direction on what route to take. Considering the horrendous flooding along the quays, including at the Guinness premises, there was an absence of personnel to assist. I agree that the circumstances were unprecedented, but I would like to see a more co-ordinated response.

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