Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, McCarthy, Boyle, Ó Murchú, Norris, O'Malley, Buttimer, Ó Domhnaill, O'Brien, Healy Eames, Ellis, O'Reilly, Ormonde, Phelan, Daly, Cannon and Leyden expressed their serious concerns about the horrific weather we have been experiencing in the last few weeks. One's heart goes out to the families caught up in these dreadful events. I like to believe the amount of money announced yesterday is only the initial sum that will be made available. Unfortunately, the forecast for the remainder of the week shows no improvement. The River Shannon is backing up into the River Inny which flows flowing into Athlone and will probably reach Mullingar by tonight. The western side of the country from County Donegal to County Cork and the midlands, including the Cathaoirleach's area of Banagher, have experienced floods not seen in living memory, as we have been told by people much older than us.

We must support the people who are enduring such dreadful circumstances, particularly those whose homes, properties and businesses have been decimated. It is a seriously bad start to the winter, particularly when there is a downturn in the economy. I compliment the Taoiseach. Most Members had at least one day off over the weekend but the Taoiseach worked every day. In chairing the committee he has taken a personal interest in the issue. Apart from his national constituency of Ireland, his electoral constituency has been seriously affected. What we have seen on our television screens, particularly what is happening to the people of Cork, is absolutely horrific. I have never seen anything like it. Parishes throughout the country have been seriously affected. In fact, I attended a funeral in Ardrahan three weeks ago and saw the beautiful area of Kinvara. It is hard to believe what has happened.

I thank Senator McCarthy and the Labour Party for offering its Private Members' time for statements which will continue for three hours from 1.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. We will meet the leaders after the Order of Business to organise the times for contributions and I will return to the House with an amendment to the Order of Business to seek its approval for the arrangements. It is my intention that there will be statements on the issue every day the House sits until this dreadful weather recedes, particularly from colleagues whose areas are affected. We must ensure those who are suffering know we care and are here to do everything we can to help them. I thank Senator Cannon for his comments in this regard. It is a terrible situation for families, neighbours and friends.

I wish those involved in the talks the very best of luck and, on behalf of all Members, hope the talks reach a successful conclusion. Everybody believes, regardless of who is in power, €4 billion is the figure that must be found in the budget. Let the experience around the negotiating table, the best in the country, decide and secure agreement. The last thing the country wants is another day of stoppages. One's heart goes out to the decent, hard-working people who built the Ireland of today and had to go out yesterday in inclement weather. They are the most decent of people and involved in every community and organisation in the country. They give of their time, mainly in a voluntary capacity, to church, State and sports organisations. They are the leaders in our communities. We all have a job to do; therefore, let us put what happened behind us and, from today, let us hope the negotiators find a successful formula, as Senator O'Toole said, that will secure agreement on how we can move forward with the budget.

In response to the calls from Senators McCarthy, Boyle, Prendergast, O'Brien, Healy Eames and Bradford there will be a full day debate next Tuesday on the budget. I look forward to all colleagues making a contribution. I am disappointed Fine Gael has not brought forward its pre-budget proposals before that debate. I understand they will be released two days afterwards. If the House thinks we could be of assistance, perhaps on the Friday after it publishes its pre-budget submission-----