Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My suggestion is that in the same fashion that the post office facilitates the issuing of passports, it could be done for driving licences. That would give more business to post offices.

I ask that the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Deputy Seán Canney, could come before the Seanad to speak to the issue of flood defences and particularly the minor works scheme. We know a major €430 million major capital investment was announced last summer by the OPW, which was very welcome. Some of these schemes will not be rolled out for several years and in the meantime, there is a minor works scheme that can be used. I am concerned that there may be obstacles or delays in the rolling out of this. In particular, I am thinking of Crossmolina, near where I live, as people were very badly affected. Such is people's frustration with the pace of progress that they are prepared to go into the river, which is not a good idea. We must get an update on how the existing scheme, which can facilitate shorter-term solutions, is being used to our benefit and to avoid potential flooding when winter comes. Now, in the summer, is the time to act.