Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Phase one of that project has been very successful but we want to get to the next phase of the investment. We need an update on the CFRAM study which will be the blueprint for flood alleviation measures and investment into the future. I would like a detailed debate on the progress of that study and what funding is likely to be put behind it.

We cannot praise enough the local authority staff who are working flat out and the wonderful work being done by the Army in helping to protect homes. The next 36 hours are going to be critical but I know everything that can be done is being done to make sure as many homes as possible are protected from flooding.

It is a time for everybody to pull together and to leave aside party political squabbling on this issue. I am very encouraged by the wonderful work being done in communities by people coming together with public representatives and local authority staff, with everybody trying to ensure that business gets back to as normal a position as possible in the lead-up to Christmas.

I hope we will have a debate with the Minister of State, who can update us. I very much welcome the fact €5 million has been made immediately available to help small business and that €10 million has been set aside for humanitarian aid. I hope the drawing down of that will be as simple as possible-----