Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is good for all of us to get out of our comfort zones and the Senator's appointment would certainly facilitate that. I note also that the previous ambassador to the Holy See was a Roscommon man, Mr. Noel Fahey, who did an excellent job. It would not be without precedent if Senator Leyden were to be appointed to the position.

I am glad the House will debate Irish Water today. It is of concern to many people that lessons have not been learned and the culture of lavish expense and overspending on consultancy and the feathering of nests, whether at an individual or corporate level, seems to continue. People are amazed that this is continuing given all the country has been through and the many hard lessons we had to learn. One of the issues to which I draw particular attention is my amazement, which is shared by many others, that a company that enjoys an effective monopoly, finds it worthwhile to spend €4 million on branding consultants. One would expect a company with a monopoly would not need any branding. To spend €4 million on corporate identity in the times we are in beggars belief.

There is also great concern about the apparent lack of European Union funds for places that have been victim to storm damage. The particular way in which EU solidarity funds operate means they may not be sufficiently flexible to meet the needs of marginal areas and areas that depend on seasonal tourism. I ask for a debate on this issue as I would like the Government to address the issue. The EU solidarity fund only covers natural disasters which cause damage valued at more than €800 million.

In this case, we are talking about smaller but very significant sums. In five counties alone, the public damage has been estimated at approximately €65 million. The damage and destruction to private property could cost over €250 million. These figures do not take into account the losses sustained by small business owners and rural communities as a result of closed roads and businesses. I would like the Government to address this. There is a need for greater flexibility at EU level. We need to be heard on this to make sure the marginal areas that have been affected by storms and flooding have their needs addressed. I would be grateful for an opportunity to debate this issue, which is intrinsically linked with questions like employment and the revival of rural and community life, with the relevant Minister in due course.