Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish the Taoiseach a happy new year too, apart from the electoral situation.

Storms Desmond, Eva and Frank have devastated many communities across this island. They caused immense damage to homes, businesses and vital infrastructure, particularly road infrastructure. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the council staff who did heroic work in many communities, the staff of other agencies and the Army, whose members were called out in emergency situations and who worked well. Above all, it was communities on the ground who responded in solidarity to help their beleaguered neighbours, colleagues and townspeople. Farmers and civil contractors, in particular, did heroic work.

However, many people are very angry at the lack of preparation for these storms, particularly between the first and last storms, on basic matters such as protocols regarding the provision of pumps and the lack of council staff. The cuts to council staff were so severe that councils were incredibly stretched during this difficult period. The abolition of town councils was a mistake, as was starkly shown up in the context of the response to the flooding. "Who is in charge?" was the most often repeated catchcry or refrain as one travelled from one flood area to another. Between 2014 and 2015 there was an underspend of approximately €34.5 million on flood defence schemes and repairs to flood defences. The money was provided but was not spent. The core national framework for emergency management has not been updated since 2007. Limerick City Council is still mentioned in it, although it is a year and a half since it was abolished.

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