Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)

I appreciate everything the Deputy said. She is on the ground and knows exactly what she is talking about. She knows more than those of us who are in government. The pressure came from the Taoiseach to the Tánaiste right down to every Minister who had a role in this.

As I said, delivering the scheme is important. I do not know if the Deputy had time to go and visit, but the day we turned on the pumps, it was great to see the local farming community and particularly the people who had suffered most - the families whose houses were affected - and see the excitement on their faces knowing that Government had listened and delivered on what they wanted. However, the final piece is the permanent solution. As I said to the Deputy, the meetings we have had to date show that we are very much on track to deliver that. I live only a stone's throw across the water. It was a very proud day for me because I have so many friends and relations who live down there. Seeing the smiles on people's faces is what we are about. I went into government to ensure delivery of major projects such as this and to give people peace of mind.

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