Billy Lawless (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I extend my sincere sympathies to the families of the three people who were killed yesterday. Their deaths show the dangers of these types of storms, of which, as previous speakers noted, we will have many more as a result of climate change. I congratulate the Taoiseach and Ministers on their preparedness for yesterday and on the way in which they handled the situation. They were at the top of their game. While some people criticised as unnecessary the decision to have schools remain closed today, I believe it was the right decision to make because we did not know how bad the damage was. The loss of life would have been much greater if warnings had not issued.

As a Galwegian, I have jumped off the diving boards at Salthill many times. I can think of a worse word than "clowns" for those who were swimming in Salthill yesterday. Their outrageous actions placed first responders in extreme danger. I agree with previous speakers that, in such circumstances, it should be a criminal offence to ignore warnings and that those who do so should be fined. It was heartening yesterday to see the storm bring out the best in people and a community spirit. Listening to the radio yesterday afternoon, I heard the owners of guest houses and hotels offer free beds to people who found themselves stranded. The storm served as a warning to us. I congratulate all of those involved, including the public servants in various Departments.