Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

Yesterday, Oireachtas representatives from Cork met with the ESB to discuss the flooding in the city of Cork last weekend. I understand the Minister, Deputy Gormley, is frustrated at what has happened but it is wrong to blame councillors for this. The zoning of land does not automatically ensure planning permission. We all know that planning permission is the preserve not of the local council but of the planning authority. I call on the Deputy Leader to invite the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, to this House to discuss what he wants to see done in terms of the provision of relief to the people of Cork and throughout the country.

It is time — I hope the Deputy Leader agrees with me — an independent investigation into what happened in Cork was carried out, not to apportion blame but to ensure we learn from what happened and to assist us in alleviating the distress and hardship of the people of Cork and throughout Ireland. We must ensure we put in place an early flood warning system, proper communication and measures to ensure the Army, Civil Defence, Garda Síochána and fire brigade service are on active duty sooner rather than later.