Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The brave response of the communities exposes a lack of strategic response by the Government. I commend all those who have helped their neighbours through this difficult time. My question specifically concerned a Government-funded financial aid scheme for those who could not get insurance cover. The Taoiseach did not answer the question but perhaps we can return to the issue after the Cabinet meeting.

On more strategic issues, we have been arguing for contingency plans to be put in place to deal with the flooding issue and other developments in weather patterns and so on. Many people are angry that measures which might have been put in place before this to offset the worst impact of flooding were not taken. It is reported today that 300 cities, towns and villages in this State are at "significant risk" of flooding in the time ahead. That clearly argues for strategic planning by the State to invest in flood defences. The Taoiseach has cited figures but the figure that jumped into my head is the €64 billion given to banks, which had no problem in being paid. These issues will destroy the livelihood or homes and properties of people and the Government has fumbled in the greasy till.

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