Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I am sure Deputy Michael McGrath will agree that I must wait until I receive a full evaluation from the local authorities concerned before deciding on the amount of money that will be needed. I do not want to allocate funds which may not be required. I want to obtain a full report in the first instance. As stated, the Department of Social Protection - through the community welfare officers - is, in an exceptional way, providing assistance. The Red Cross will, I expect, be receiving additional funds from the Ministers for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform in order that they might provide help on a humanitarian basis. It is not yet possible to quantify the response that will be required from a financial point of view. However, assistance is being provided for those who need it.

We cannot always beat the weather. Nobody ever expects 70 millimetres of water to fall in the course of three hours. However, we must be resilient and ensure we help people to deal with the difficulties. Regardless of whether it is the effectiveness of culverts, matters affecting Togher or issues relating to the insurance industry or those who have no insurance, we will see what we can do to assist.

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