Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

In the last paragraph I outlined clearly the situation regarding the Department. In response to the committee's report, the Minister has asked the Department to complete its review of the severe weather emergencies before the end of October and this review will have the benefit of the input of the committee. This is important from a local authority perspective. Irrespective of what works are undertaken, when there is severe weather leading to flooding, somebody has to be involved. The bodies involved are the local authorities and the national committee. Other issues such as maintenance work, etc. are obviously the responsibility of the Office of Public Works working in consultation with the local authorities. The Senator must appreciate that I am responding to the question as to what the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is doing. Further answers may be available from other Departments.