Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In the same spirit, Sinn Féin supports the call for an independent inquiry into the tragic deaths of infants in Portlaoise and the treatment of their parents.

My question is about the plight of other citizens - those living in flooded areas. I commend the members of communities who rallied to the aid of their neighbours. They include those who provided food and clothing, as well as distributing sandbags and looking after elderly citizens, all before officialdom was mobilised. It demonstrates the very best qualities of Irish people. I also commend the front-line services. In many parts of the country flooding incidents are nothing new. Parts of Cork city and county, as well as Waterford, Limerick and Dublin, frequently experience significant flooding. With climate change, rising sea levels and increased rainfall, the position is expected to get worse in the years ahead. It is now five years since Cork city experienced some of the worst flooding ever seen on the island when thousands of homes and businesses were damaged, yet the city still does not have adequate flood defences. The position is the same in Limerick where mostly working-class people have been totally devastated by the destruction of their homes and belongings. Most of the people concerned are not able to get insurance because the insurance companies will not cover them. What is required immediately is financial aid for those worst hit by the latest crisis. Will the Taoiseach give a commitment that the Government will provide adequate assistance for the householders affected by the floods who have no insurance? Will he tell the House what level of financial assistance will be provided by the State for the many households which have been left devastated by the floods? When will such assistance be made available?

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