John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his answer to this point. I recognise in his response that he has outlined the challenge Storm Éowyn brought to certain parts of the country. However we like to present it and would contest this position, though, there is a perception in some constituencies, particularly on the western seaboard and midlands and Border area that had the impact of Storm Éowyn been felt in other parts of the country, or had the lack of services as a result of the storm been suffered in other parts of the country, the response might have been greater. I recognise that might be contested but among the most commonly occurring questions I get in parts of the country that are still affected by the lack of communications and communication breakdown was whether the Defence Force could have played a greater role in the restoration operation. I acknowledge the Tánaiste has outlined a number of places where the Defence Force actively participated, but I concur with my colleague, Deputy Daly, that maybe the Defence Forces could have been more relevantly used regarding the homes of people.

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