Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. We have had the two Malcolms mixed up and referred to as each other in the past.

I will raise a question regarding what, in the past, might have been regarded as a once-in-100-year climate or weather event but which, unfortunately, as the Minister of State and I know, is happening far more frequently. Last weekend, we saw freak rain and hail showers in Enniscorthy - people saw the images of what happened - that resulted in the flooding of a number of businesses, in particular. Unfortunately, this is something we are seeing with increased regularity, for instance, in New Ross last August. The only way to describe that weather is "biblical" and it caused significant damage to a number of businesses and shops. We saw a tornado ripping through parts of Foulkesmills and Clongeen that caused a lot of damage to farms and households at the time. We have also seen damage in Gorey. This is something that is happening throughout the country.

While the Government is taking the issue of responding to climate change quite seriously, the concern with regard to this involves businesses and households on the ground, what support measures are in place and how easy it is for businesses and households to be able to access them.There is increasing concern that it will become more and more difficult for people to access insurance, especially where there is a fear of an increased risk of flooding or that businesses will be subjected to freak weather events. Our overall response must be to continue with our efforts to address the challenges of climate change. However, I am asking what practical measures are in place through local government and other agencies. For instance, Oireachtas Members representing Wexford met the Minister for Rural and Community Development and Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys, to talk about the aftermath of the Foulksmill-Clongeen tornado to consider whether a special package could be put in place. However, we will probably be in a position where we almost need a rapid response unit. Unfortunately, we will see more of these events, which have real implications for the lives of citizens, homeowners and business people. They need to know that the State and local authorities are in a position to advise them and provide them with the necessary supports as quickly as possible.

A more general concern will arise if insurance companies choose not to continue with insurance in particular areas or if we see premiums rise to such an extent that they are out of the reach of consumers. More competition in the insurance market is welcome but we can also debate that. This Commencement matter is about the assurances the Government can give to those who are impacted by these events, especially about the challenges of local government.