Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Government learned the lesson of 1982. There was a different response this time because it was a case of making hay while the sun shone. The recent weather was a case of making hay while the snow fell because the Government lost no opportunity to take advantage of the situation to promote itself, which is very good. Well done to the Taoiseach. He would make an excellent weather forecaster.

I would like to commend the staff of Met Éireann, RTÉ, TV3 and local radio who went out in very difficult circumstances to produce reports. Local radio was not available in 1982, but it was a big advantage on this occasion because conditions varied in different parts of the country. Roscommon and other counties were hit very badly. I compliment the emergency services for their response, as well as Roscommon University Hospital, Portiuncula Hospital, the Sacred Heart Hospital in Roscommon, Oakwood Nursing Home and all other nursing homes throughout the country.The staff made it into those hospitals and nursing homes and provided food and nourishment for all their patients and residents. There was no report of any difficulties in that respect. We should commend all those staff.

Senator Craughwell mentioned our Army. However, nobody mentioned the work done by the prison officers who have to provide cover 365 days a year. The prisons cannot be closed. The full staff complement was required in Castlerea Prison for the duration of the emergency weather event. I met a prison officer who had to make his way to his place of work in that prison and work the hours required to ensure the security of the State. The work done by the prison officers was not mentioned during this period but I am mentioning it now in this House.

I commend the work done by the Army and the Garda-----