Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Acting Chairman and the Senator knows, I try to be as helpful as possible in meeting the requirements of the day and trying to overcome some of the unforeseen difficulties arising from inclement weather conditions, particularly where the work of local authorities may not have been carried out to the satisfaction of the local community and has resulted inadvertently in flooding of shops or centres. One does not expect such patterns to develop, especially if work could be carried out, with culverts cleared by the local authority. I sought a report on the extent of the problem to see if we could be helpful but I have not found a solution to the issue in that report. I will continue to seek solutions and the Government is very conscious of the difficulties that have arisen for small businesses. I will try to find solutions, if possible, but I will come back to the Senator if that is not possible.