Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy and agree with his last statements. I again thank him for raising this Topical Issue. It is important that we let the people of the country know exactly what we are doing.

I further confirm that this morning I visited counties Meath and Monaghan to see some of the devastation at first hand. I came back this evening and reported to the Minister, Deputy Heydon, what we had seen on the ground. He is raising the issue at Cabinet level and every effort will be made by this Government for the people in forestry and horticulture who have been affected. We in the Department will do our level best and will not be found wanting. We will put our shoulders to the wheel and will work together. I take on board everything that Deputy Feighan has said. The people in his constituency can be assured that they are well represented by him on this important issue. I appreciate that there is afforestation in his constituency. It is important to recognise that because afforestation is welcome but there are concerns about it in his constituency, particularly given what has happened during the recent storms.

I am confident that the forestry windblow task force will help to ensure that a co-ordinated response to deal with the affected forests will be rolled out as soon as possible. I again thank the emergency services, the people who had to go out late at night and early in the morning, whether they were working for the ESB or the local authorities, those working in our hospitals, those working with Eircom and all the county council workers. Everybody put their shoulders to the wheel on this occasion. They put themselves in danger in many instances while working in very difficult conditions throughout the country. We owe them all a big debt of gratitude for their excellent work.

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