Imelda Goldsboro (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State.

The storm caused havoc throughout the country, both in our local and national areas. Unfortunately, I am in Tipperary South, where Storm Ophelia also caused significant damage. I acknowledge the work that the Government is doing nationally. I also acknowledge the work of Tipperary County Council, those who have been on the ground and the relevant agencies throughout the county and country.

These are unprecedented times. We do not know what the future will bring, but there is an opportunity for us now to become proactive more than reactive. It is a learning process for us going forward.

Ireland as a whole should not come to a standstill because of the changes in our climate. We can introduce more strategies across the counties and implement changes. I understand from when the Minister was in the House yesterday that more funding will be released for community hubs throughout the counties and for generators to be brought in so that we can provide the relevant services and supports in our communities. I have a query, though. Each county has a number of household grants, for example, housing adaptation grants, disability grants and mobility aid grants. Following the past number of storms, I have encountered numerous individuals who are medically in need of generators in their homes. It is a matter of life and death. Unfortunately, they are not in a financial position to purchase generators of the capacity required by their medical machines. Some of these people are young children. Some people are at end of life. I am looking for clarity around whether household grants for disability, home adaptation and mobility can in future include support for generators. It would give a lifeline, a sense of security and peace of mind to those individuals if they were able to apply for funding under these grant schemes, given the climate that is coming down the line.