Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have done the lotto but I have not yet done the weather forecast. I wish to say a few words about the so-called beast from the east and Storm Emma. The national emergency co-ordination group is co-ordinating responses across all Departments and State agencies and it will keep the public regularly informed about what is needed to stay safe. I assure the people that while we are hoping for the best, we are preparing for the worst and we will be ready for whatever the weather brings. I ask people to look after their neighbours, especially those who are isolated or living alone, to look after the elderly and to look after each other. I ask them to follow up-to-the-minute expert advice and not to do anything that would put their lives, or the lives of others, in danger. If we take the right precautions we can avoid tragedies and we should be united in the way we face this national challenge. Information will be updated regularly and all information will be available on www.gov.iefrom 4 p.m.

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