I am sure the Taoiseach is aware of the extensive damage that has been done to the coastline along the western seaboard as a result of the recent storms and the impact this is having on farming communities. Is there any possibility whereby the Taoiseach might consider, as part of the harbours (amendment) Bill, bringing forward appropriate legislation that would place responsibility for flood defences along the coast with a single unitary authority?

In the context of the harbours (amendment) Bill, will the Taoiseach consider bringing forward appropriate legislation to place responsibility for coastal flood defences in a single authority? In that way, one agency could deal with the aftermath of the devastating impact on so many communities, including the farming community in particular.

It might be nice in theory but various sectors have responsibilities in respect of maritime matters, including ports. Last week, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, received Cabinet approval for dispensing moneys to 120 different locations, which are small in scale but important nonetheless. That expenditure is proceeding. Meanwhile, the Office of Public Works is working with local authorities on their submissions to deal with major areas of damage, some of which are immediate while others are medium term. We also have to plan for the scale of the engineering challenge to deal with major defences in cities, towns and coastal areas.