Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)

I support the innovative proposal made by Senator Healy Eames that the House debate with the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, at the earliest opportunity, the ideas proposed by Fr. Seán Healy in respect of people who wish to work in lieu of receiving their social welfare payment and a small additional consideration. The country is on its knees and many of our young people our emigrating. At such a time, we must examine every possible innovative idea to return people to work and restore pride in our country.

In light of the severe flooding in Dublin last night and the possibility of severe weather conditions returning in the coming months, I ask the Leader to arrange a debate with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, on the preparedness of his Department and local authorities for severe weather conditions. Last night's events serve as a warning which we must heed. I join other Senators in offering sympathy to the family of Garda Jones and the lady who regrettably lost her life in Dublin city centre last night. Although weather alerts were in place last night, we need to be much better prepared for sudden severe weather conditions. It would be appropriate for the Minister to outline to the Seanad the level of preparedness for flooding and the severe frost and ice we experienced last winter. I ask the Leader to arrange such a debate.