Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I share the concern of other Members in regard to the flood damage in many parts of the country, including my own county. However, we should not get over-dramatic about it. We are aware of the failings of past Administrations but we do not want to go down that road. I very much welcome the fund that has been set aside and that will be administered on behalf of the Government by the Irish Red Cross for businesses that have suffered in towns recognised to be at flood risk and which are unable to get flood risk insurance, which is very important.

It was said that the OPW is not involved. Of course, the OPW is involved; it is monitoring the situation and will continue to do so. The matter is being attended to and dealt with. I recognise that Senator MacSharry likes to be dramatic, coming as he does from the Sligo school of amateur dramatics. Let us be calm and reflect on this matter. It is being dealt with and, please God, it will be dealt with satisfactorily, or as satisfactorily as it can be dealt with. We cannot totally drain the Shannon and we cannot redirect it. I suppose there will be a further debate about siphoning off some of the water for the east, which will resurrect its head again. These matters are being dealt with, so let the show go on without getting overly or falsely concerned.