Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Like previous speakers I believe we need to see information about the scheme for businesses. For most businesses this four-week period pays for the next three months. This is the time of year when they get the chance to get back in shape after some difficult trading conditions. They are not going to be able to do that now. We need to give some information.

The Tánaiste referred to staff on the ground in Athlone and Tralee. Can we put staff on the ground in Crossmolina? There is no social welfare office there as such, but it would be helpful if staff were available there in the coming days.

I realise farming is not an area of responsibility for the Tánaiste. However, a great deal of fodder and winter stock has been washed away and a great deal of land is under several feet of water. We need to put in place a package with rules and regulations for farmers as well. Unfortunately, the damage that has been done and that will be done is extraordinary. In Ballina we are living from tide to tide this week. We need information on all these packages in order that the matter is out of the way within the coming days.

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