Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I too acknowledge the volunteers trying to save premises from being flooded over the past few days. They have worked tirelessly almost 24 hours a day. They have to be applauded for that. The Deputy said the Irish Red Cross had to pay for pumping machines and diesel with a personal credit card. That is not acceptable. I asked officials in the Department to call the county manager in Westmeath County Council but he was not aware of that. I am not sure of the background to this story but the Deputy should contact the people in the Irish Red Cross and tell them to contact the assistant chief fire officer, Mr. Pat Hunt, about this. The Departments of the Taoiseach and Defence have been working closely with the Irish Red Cross, even though it is independent.

The Deputy mentioned the Defence Forces not being called out earlier. I understand that is a matter for Westmeath County Council in that the Defence Forces were at the disposal of councils when called. It is entirely up to the people in charge to put the call in to the Defence Forces. It is not the fault of the Defence Forces that they were late. It was for Westmeath County Council to make the call. I spoke to some of the senior officers in the Athlone area and they were willing and able to help when they got the call.

The Deputy also mentioned homes being flooded. She should encourage people to go to the Department of Social Protection. There are welfare officers on the ground willing and able to help because this is a difficult time of year, coming up to Christmas. They will assist householders with in financial need.

The flood level in Loughrea and the sections of the River Shannon and Lough Derg needing dredging are matters for the Office of Public Works. I will bring them to the attention of the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Harris, who has been very involved with the flooding in the Athlone area and I have no doubt he plans to visit there. I will get the officials to do that this afternoon.

Yesterday I answered a Topical Issue matter raised by a Deputy opposite about flooded farm land and advised him to raise the issue with the Minister for Agriculture, Deputy Coveney, and the Department. I promised that I would also raise it with the Minister and I will but I also encourage farmers to get in contact with farming organisations, such as the Irish Farmers Association or the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association. I have no doubt those organisations will be in touch with the Department of Agriculture and Food regarding the problems, whether a fodder crisis or whatever, in the area.

I know the Deputy has been very involved in helping people and their families in Athlone over the past few days. I commend her for that because people depend on their public representatives at such times. I will bring the issues she has raised to the attention of the Minister of State, Deputy Harris, and the Minister for Defence, Deputy Coveney, and encourage her to contact Mr. Pat Hunt, the assistant chief fire officer in Westmeath County Council regarding the Irish Red Cross payment with a personal credit card.

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