Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

Members have seen horrific photographs of the effects of natural disasters throughout the world in recent weeks. It is incredible to think that, in 2005, dead people are being left in the streets and emergency services still cannot reach them. It is shocking to see a so-called developed country such as the US deal so badly with the aftermath of the hurricane in New Orleans. Unfortunately, this situation has been replicated in Pakistan. Could the Acting Leader invite the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea, to come before the House to indicate what emergency plan is in place for Ireland in the event of a natural disaster? One would not have confidence in the emergency services based on recent global experience. The pictures we have seen are truly shocking. I know the Acting Leader, on foot of his former profession, has personal experience in this area. It would be opportune for us to ask whether an emergency plan is in place to cope with a natural disaster here. Who would have thought that the US would have been so badly equipped for such a disaster? Hopefully, we can learn from the unfortunate situation in Pakistan at present.