Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

Members share their concerns with the people of Athlone at present. Ballinasloe also has suffered, as have south Galway, County Roscommon and everywhere else. It is clear that €10 million constitutes an initial amount for assistance. Again, while a €2 million fodder scheme will not be adequate, I presume the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Smith, will top that up because quite a number of farmers have lost their fodder. I saw pictures on television last night of fodder that was floating.

Unquestionably, this is a national emergency and serious hardship cases have arisen. I again commend all involved and in particular I note we owe the Army a great debt of gratitude because its personnel are unselfish in their work. Instead of seeing the creation of regional or area funds, I recommend that the Irish Red Cross should open a national fund for those who have suffered hardship and that it should be matched euro for euro by the Government. This appeal should commence immediately this weekend and everyone should support it. A sum of €20 per person would yield a fund of €80 million, which multiplied by two would give €160 million.

I refer to the reality of life for small businesses and people who are really dejected. Even though some may have been covered by insurance, it will not cover the loss of jobs in the small industries that are affected. As there has been an enormous amount of television coverage by TV3 and RTE, the footage exists and consequently it will be easy to know exactly who has been affected. Most people or areas affected have been filmed.