Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the 22 Members for their contributions. Every Member made reference to the tragic deaths of three of our fellow citizens yesterday. On my own behalf and on behalf of Fine Gael group and the House, I pay tribute to the memory of the late Ms Clare O'Neill, Mr. Michael Pyke and Mr. Fintan Goss who were tragically killed yesterday. It illustrates the fragility of life and the way in which we must all take care. These three innocent people were killed going about their business, one bringing her mother to safety, one going home to his family and the other doing what we would all do, which is to try to make life better by clearing an impasse on the road. I express my deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the three people who were killed. Our hearts go out to the families of the bereaved. It is only through standing together as communities that we can help them cope with their loss. No words of ours will ease their pain but it will show them that the people are standing in solidarity with them.

The collective work of those charged with managing, co-ordinating and planning for Storm Ophelia deserve to be commended. It shows the importance of getting the message out and communicating. As the Cathaoirleach said, Met Éireann got it absolutely spot on and the Government, despite some people's criticism of school closures, was correct. Code red means code red. Yesterday, a school roof was blown off in Cork city. The principal, Mr. Jim Long, acting in a spirit of civic-mindedness was in the school before, during and after the storm. I fully support the Government's decision to close schools today because an assessment can only be made the day after such an event, not on the night of it or during it.I commend all the men and women in our public services who played a role, and in particular the national emergency co-ordination group under the chairmanship of Mr. Seán Hogan. We have mentioned the Garda, the Defence Forces, the fire service, the ambulance service, the Civil Defence and Met Éireann. We must also mention the men and women of ESB Networks, who were out in the eye of the storm along with gardaí. I lost power in my house early yesterday morning, but it was back this morning because of the ESB Networks workers. I also pay tribute to the local authority workers and the maligned Irish Water personnel who put themselves at risk yesterday and today in ensuring the water supply.

Senators made reference to the importance of public service radio and television. We saw it at first hand with RTÉ. I commend RTÉ and the local radio stations on their work in providing such service. In our case in Cork city, they extended the talk radio programme for two hours to give people information, to allow people to phone in and communicate.

It is important that we all stand united in condemning the silly irresponsible actions of those who were walking the promenade, swimming and kite surfing. They may think they are thrill seekers and attention seeking. However, they are putting their lives and those of the first responders at risk. We need to look at how we can prosecute or put in place some type of mitigation where these people will not in the future be able to put themselves and others at risk. I know it might not be popular but there is no place for that type of irresponsible behaviour. Senator Mullen used the word "lúdramán"; I would use a far stronger word to describe those people, but this is a national Parliament and I will not. However, they should be condemned outright.

It is about ensuring that Government got the response right. I accept that lessons have to be learnt. The issue of climate change is a reality; it is not going away. I agree with what Senator Humphreys said about the Government's response and that of agencies and Departments in the area of climate change. We need to focus minds on the effects of global warming. This is not a once-in-50-years event; this will be an ongoing event. I agree with Senator Humphreys that we need to see action.

Senator Craughwell raised the issue of the Defence Forces. I know he is a champion of the Defence Forces. I heard the Minister of State, Deputy Kehoe, say that the Defence Forces are ready to assist in a multiplicity of ways. I know the Senator does not want to politicise the House by having a vote this afternoon. In the middle of the storm Defence Forces personnel were out assisting local authorities and local communities. For example, 25 Army and Air Corps personnel were out assisting ESB Networks and HSE staff. Members of the Third Infantry Battalion from Kilkenny travelled across the country. Twelve personnel and five vehicles were out assisting. Rather than dividing the House and politicising the debate, which I know Senator Craughwell does not want to do-----