Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I second the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by my leader, Senator Ó Murchú. It is a matter of urgency that we debate the issues he so eloquently outlined, particularly - but not only - coming up to Christmas.

I join with colleagues in welcoming the Government's humanitarian assistance scheme which was announced this morning. Senator Moloney has outlined the areas to be covered by the scheme. The last time the Government announced such a programme, however, it was a total farce. It was not easily accessible by those who needed the aid most. It was almost impossible for them to adhere to the conditions that were set out. I appeal to the Leader to impress upon the Government the urgency of this scheme and the need to make it user friendly on this occasion. These unfortunate people need the money now, not when and if they are lucky enough to get through the hoops created by the Department. If they manage to get through those hoops, it will be six or eight months down the road that they get financial aid. That is not good enough.

Like others, I pay tribute to the emergency services involved and to the volunteers as outlined by my colleague, Senator Mullins. It is high time and high tide that we had an urgent debate on flooding and on whatever proposals the Government has to advance the flood relief plans that are in place.