I acknowledge the ongoing work of the ESB, Irish Water and local authorities to remedy the damage caused by Storm Ophelia. Will the Minister give an update on power and water supplies around the country? It seems we are preparing for another significant weather event this weekend that will involve much more rain than we had last Monday. There are many communities across the island concerned about the damage that may cause through flooding. What work is under way in advance of that event to assist those communities and local authorities to prepare for this event?

I assure the Deputy that I have the latest reports, although most of this is in the public domain. Power restoration means the numbers without public water are down to 25,000. The number affected by electricity outages is down to 75,000. As Mr. Seán Hogan stated on the radio this morning, the process is now becoming more difficult and time-consuming as we are getting to individual items. The Defence Forces have been out to assist and we have called in resources from many overseas jurisdictions to assist in restoring services as rapidly as possibly. I spoke to the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, before coming here and there is an acute understanding of the threat in Cork from potential flooding. There is very close monitoring with the local authorities of those events. The emergency committee is still actively engaged in ensuring we maximise our protection and are prepared for all eventualities. That work is continuing and there is a new focus on the particular incidence of potential storm Brian, which is approaching us. There are reports of it representing a significant threat.