Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

The question has been raised of whether we face a national emergency or disaster because of the flooding. The Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, indicated that as Dublin was not affected, a national emergency was not being declared. Given that the car of the Minister, Deputy Lenihan, has since been submerged in water along the Strawberry Beds, perhaps we can now declare a national disaster. This is relevant in light of today's entry into force of the Lisbon treaty, which includes a solidarity clause obliging member states and European institutions to assist a member state affected by a national disaster. I do not understand why the Government has not invoked this clause. What has the Government done about raising this matter with the European Commission? I refer not to being in touch, as the Taoiseach indicated, but to a formal application for assistance invoking the provisions of the Lisbon treaty and seeking the aid of the European institutions and the Commission to assist the country when infrastructure, homes, farms and businesses have been so badly affected. There is a European Council meeting on 10 and 11 December at which the Government will have an opportunity to act expeditiously to ensure the Council makes a decision on assisting this country in this matter.