John Ellis (Fianna Fail)

He was flying and was not able to see the depth of the flood from the air. There is a need for a full debate on the management of the Shannon and other river basins as soon as possible. If there could be proper management, it might help to alleviate some of the problems we have seen up and down the country for the past week or ten days. I appeal to the Leader to arrange for that as soon as possible.

We can debate what has happened but we must also look to the future. We can do nothing about yesterday but we might be able to ensure the hardship suffered by people up and down the country as a result of these problems will not be inflicted on a future generation. If that means walking on the toes of some of the so-called protective organisations, it will have to be done. Will we protect our population or will we protect birds, flowers and fauna?