John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I look forward to a similar 15 minute contribution. I refer to the issue of flooding and the relief made available to be administered by the Red Cross in counties Meath and Dublin. There has been serious flooding in Cork. The relief needs to be extended equally throughout the country. There has been severe flooding in Togher and Blackpool and companies have been put out of business. We must be fair and equitable across the board in regard to flood relief. The time has come for us to seriously examine the implementation of proper, corrective measures to address flooding in order that we do not have to provide relief all the time. I call on the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, who has responsibility for the Office of Public Works, to attend the House to issue a clear and definitive statement that humanitarian relief will be extended and debate the measures he is putting in place.

I would welcome a debate on the Middle East. I have an interest in the Middle East, having served on a number of occasions in Palestine as a peacekeeper. It is an issue of huge international importance.