Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Cathaoirleach is a very patient man. On a serious note, I thank on behalf of the House everyone who was so proactive in the recovery from the storm. I thank local authorities, the ESB, Met Éireann, our first responders, the Army and everyone else who has been involved, including volunteers. Senator Lombard understated the damage done to his property and we lost three people, which we should never forget. We could have lost more of our fellow citizens and should be mindful of the families in mourning today. Senator Grace O'Sullivan referred to the code yellow alert, which I will come back to. It is important that people remain vigilant. While I agree with Senator Craughwell that it is extraordinary that no one has been put in prison, we have a judicial system with which we cannot interfere. It is something we need to look at.

I do not have the answer for Senator Ó Clochartaigh on the budgetary matter. I have asked the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, to come to the House. He has, unfortunately, been away for the past couple of weeks, but it is on the agenda to have him attend. I would love to be able to facilitate the Senator's debate on Catalonia today, but the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney, is not available. It is somewhat premature to have a debate on Catalonia at this stage given that it is an evolving situation.