Marie Moloney (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Last Wednesday, we had statements on the extent of the damage done by the storm in Ireland and the associated costs. At that very time there was a hurricane-like storm raging through Kerry, whipping off roofs of schools, nursing homes and private homes and knocking trees in the national park, on golf courses and across every road in Kerry. We were a little premature with that debate and I imagine we will be back to the topic again.

We are quick to criticise organisations when they do bad. Therefore, I want to praise and commend on the record today organisations such as Iarnród Éireann. I travelled last Wednesday night from Dublin to Kerry. It took us nine hours to get home but we got home safely. In fairness to Iarnród Éireann, the company supplied snacks and beverages - bar the alcohol - on the train free to passengers, which was good form. It did not collect the tickets so I imagine it was at a significant loss for that night. The same goes for ESB Networks. We have had no power in Kerry and some are still without power since last Wednesday.

We had three days without power, which was a severe inconvenience. Staff from ESB Networks - they brought people in from Northern Ireland as well - have worked day and night to restore power to all the homes in Kerry. I wish to compliment them, the council staff and Eircom for all the work they have done in Kerry.

When a red alert is forecast, such as occurred last Wednesday in Kerry and Cork, we need to have a policy in place for schools because we cannot have the children come to school in the morning and then leave it to the principals to try to get them home safely, and contact all the parents to come and collect the kids. It is not fair on the principals. When the Minister for Education and Science gets time, perhaps he can come in here for a debate. We might be able to draw up a policy whereby parents would know that schools would be closed in advance when a red alert occurs, so that they can make alternative arrangements.