Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

The reply is, to say the least, very disappointing. It is a clear abdication of responsibility by the Minister, Deputy Gormley. Why has he not outlined his willingness to embark upon and embrace an independent investigation? No reference was made by the Minister of State to whether money would be allocated to undertake a risk assessment of the key infrastructures in the flood plain and city. When will the River Lee catchment flood risk assessment and management study be completed? This is more big Government not listening to or answering the people. I appreciate it is not the Department of the Minister of State but she is the conduit for the Government in the House and the reply does not provide a satisfactory answer. The Minister has given the people of Cork the two fingers.