Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The Minister ignored the question I asked with regard to whether a fund would be put in place to provide practical assistance for those affected. It is not sufficient to merely point to the services on offer from community welfare officers and the Department of Social Protection. When a similar flooding incident occurred in Dublin last year, a special humanitarian assistance fund of €10 million was established. What is different about the people of Cork that they do not deserve similar treatment from the Government? It would be very helpful if the Minister could address this point.

I take the opportunity to acknowledge the work of local council staff in Cork who did their very best. However, they were overwhelmed because the damage had already been done.

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