Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Given that business is scheduled until 10 p.m., the Leader is unlikely to be able to accede to a request that the Minister of State, Deputy Harris, would come to the House to discuss the flooding issue. I made a request yesterday that we would try to organise it late this week or early next week. Obviously, communities are going through great hardship, with people throughout the country trying to get to work when roads are closed. We need to give this very serious attention.

I would reject some of the criticism that is being made of Government. Investment has taken place in flood alleviation measures in recent years. I would cite Ballinasloe as a case in point, given significant investment was made there since 2009 and it has worked to a significant extent.