Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Communities in various parts of the State have been devastated in the wake of Storm Desmond with extensive flooding to homes and businesses. Earlier this morning, I read yesterday's transcript, which showed that 17 Government and Opposition Deputies from across the State raised the concerns of their communities in counties Westmeath, Roscommon, Cork, Kerry, Laois, Clare, Galway, Mayo and Donegal. With respect, the Minister of State, Deputy Harris, will have to visit more than just Bandon. There are many counties and communities to be visited during the coming weeks. Despite the increased risk and frequency of flooding in recent years, the Government is not taking it seriously. In the 2016 budget, the Government cut the OPW's risk management programme by 25%, or €15.6 million. Although the Government's PR machine has been out talking about €15 million in flood relief, €10 million of it was already there. Only €5 million is new money, although the Government has cut €15.6 million from the programme for this year.

We have asked the Taoiseach several times whether the Government would introduce a special State-funded package for householders and businesses in areas of high flood risk but who, through no fault of their own, cannot obtain insurance. Will he address it? The Taoiseach avoided answering Deputy Martin's question on it. Will the Taoiseach examine the issue of the OPW's risk management programme and put resources into it again? Will he ensure it has the resources and energy to fast-track the programmes? It has been there since 2011, almost five years. Will the Taoiseach send a message to the communities in the west about the Government's plan regarding insurance and addressing the cutbacks in next year's budget?

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