Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A number of Senators raised the issue of insurance, which are matters for the OPW and the Minister of State, Deputy Canney. I appeal to the insurance companies to recognise the great work that the OPW has been doing and the millions of euros it has invested in flood relief measures in towns and villages across the country. I believe they should be offering cover to householders in general once alleviation works have been completed.

The IFA scheme was also mentioned. It has been very helpful, particularly to local authorities that are unable to reach minor roads. Local authorities and their preparedness for emergencies was also mentioned. There are a range of emergency responses in every county. A huge amount of training and exercises are also being carried out across the country. One such exercise was carried out by the Defence Forces at the barracks in Kilkenny and involved, Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford, Tipperary and Carlow county councils. This will ensure that should a severe weather event or flooding occur in any of the towns in those counties there will be a co-ordinated response by the councils and so on. It is not true to say that there is a lack of co-ordination of services.

Senator McFadden spoke about elderly people and the need for neighbours to keep an eye on them. I appeal to all people to look out for and visit elderly people who are living alone and incapable of leaving their homes during the winter months. I pay tribute to the many volunteer organisations who work in this area, in particular the Civil Defence, which comes under the remit of my Department.

A number of Senators, including Senator McFadden, spoke about the Army being called in to assist county councils. Aid to the civil power is a matter for individual local authorities. I can assure the Seanad that the Defence Forces are ready, willing and able to assist at any time. Senator McFadden will be aware of the great work carried out last year in her county by the Defence Forces.

On the issue raised by Senator Ó Donnghaile, I chair the Government task force on emergency planning on which all Departments and agencies are represented. The task force meets on a regular basis and met yesterday for two and a half hours during which a range of issues were discussed. There is a co-ordinated approach to the issues arising. There is no doubt but that all local authorities and agencies are faced with huge challenges when it comes to severe weather events because of the uncertainty around what may or may not occur. As such, we have to be ready for all eventualities. I can assure Senator Ó Donnghaile that the Defence Forces do not cross the Border for specific reasons.

Senator Maria Byrne referred to household tips. I refer the Senator to the Department's website which provides links to other websites which contain domestic household tips. Farm safety is another huge issue in winter time. We must all be cognisant of the need for vigilance in that regard. As I said earlier, a huge number of exercises are carried out between the Defence Forces and local authorities across the country. I have spoken to the commanders of each of our brigades and asked them to encourage this practise. These exercises are important to ensuring we are prepared.

I thank all the Senators who contributed to the debate. I take this opportunity to wish Members of the Seanad, including the Acting Chairman, Senator Horkan, a very Happy Christmas and prosperous 2017. I look forward to returning to the House in 2017. I would also like to thank my officials and the officials in all of the emergency departments, particularly the office of emergency planning, who often had to work in very difficult circumstances. As I said earlier, these are the people on whom we depend in difficult weather conditions.