Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply but I note that much of his time was spent describing the damage that was done. I am very aware of that. There was moral support in place during the time. Farmers were able to access advice. They need compensation. The Minister of State says he is reopening a scheme but some things are not covered by it. I would like a broader scheme to be brought in. I hope these were unique weather conditions. If they were not, we might be better prepared for another one. Money talks. I ask the Minister of State and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, to think about opening up a new scheme.

I also acknowledge the help farmers, especially in my locality, gave people living in the towns. Tractors came in from all sides to enable people to leave their houses. Even though they were undergoing much pain and hassle, farmers stepped up to the mark and helped their neighbours in town.

I realise that the condition of rural roads is outside the remit of the Minister of State but the weather made this worse. Many flood prevention measures need to be put in place. Several Departments should get together and make a plan because with the effects of climate change this was not a unique occasion.

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