Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the short period of time I have remaining, I wish to address the extreme weather event faced by the country. As Minister of State with responsibility for insurance, I ask people to be prudent in their actions should the forecast snow arrive. People pay for insurance to protect their properties, goods, etc. but they should not take undue risks. I know of people in certain professions who will clear roofs of snow that is too deep in order to protect the roofs. People should be prudent and careful in taking such actions. The Minister for Housing Planning and Local Government, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, mentioned the importance of keeping in touch with the vulnerable in society, and people should take heed of that.

I wish to recognise the efforts of many people in preparing for the forecast poor weather, which it is to be hoped will not be as bad as anticipated. A young woman, Grace Dooley, who is from Wexford like myself, is responsible for organising a group of volunteers who have been collecting money and buying sleeping bags and other parcels and distributing them to the homeless. I can think of nothing more worthwhile to do in the coming days and, if people are minded to help her, she would gladly accept that assistance. We do not have civic awards in the State but, if we did, she would receive such an honour.

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