Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

Sadly, it never rains but it pours. We are hearing that the worst is yet to come in terms of flooding in the west. As a result of rising waters in the Shannon 50 more homes in Galway are this morning submerged in water. The council is unable to assist one woman who has been housebound for five days. I agree with much of what Senator Twomey said. It is time the Taoiseach declared this flooding a national emergency and fully mobilised the Army. The Army should be utilised to assist people. There can be no shortcuts in dealing with this crisis.

It is disgraceful that the Taoiseach has only at this stage committed €10 million to the clean-up.