Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I too commend the National Emergency Coordination Group and all the State agencies and their personnel which were busy and helpful over the past several days dealing with the severe weather we had, particularly in the midlands and in the east.

I would also like to add my support to the Senators who raised the question of the poor pay and conditions of our councillors. These are the front-line troops in our democracy. They might not all have been on the television like Senator O'Reilly in Cavan was. However, he was representative of so many of them in all of the various counties offering assistance to their neighbours and communities. Their work goes unheard. It is somewhat shocking that these people, who are always first on call and do so much, are so neglected. If any issue cries out for redress, their situation does. I look forward to an early debate on this matter. It is proper that all parties act in unison on this issue.