Scientists have mapped the probable rise in sea levels if global temperatures rise 2°C above pre-industrial levels. Unfortunately, we are currently on course for an even higher rise in temperatures. For example, if there is an increase of 2°C, Howth in north Dublin would become an island again. Major parts of Clontarf and Portmarnock would be underwater, as would Skerries and Laytown. In my constituency, large parts of Wexford town would be flooded, as would Duncormac. The Government is not giving this flooding spectacle the urgency it requires in light of the investment of money and time that is required to put things right before the rise in temperature has an impact. For example, as representatives in the area know from talking to the public, the Glashaboy flood relief scheme in Cork city is awaiting sanction from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe. We must not have any complacency or delay in these matters. When will the Government give the issue of flood defences the resources and urgency required? Will the Taoiseach give a guarantee to coastal communities that will be impacted in the coming years - the affected locations have been mapped for everybody to see - that whatever resources are required to deal with this emergency will be provided?

Significant investment is being put into flood defences. I will ask the Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Moran, to provide the Deputy a more detailed briefing in that regard. Many flood relief schemes are under way around the country.

Progress is painfully slow.

Many have been completed, such as those in Bandon, on the River Tolka and in many other locations. Other schemes are under way or about to start. The Deputy is quite right that sea levels are rising as a consequence of climate change.

Even with us reducing emissions dramatically over the next couple of decades, sea levels will continue to rise because of the cumulative effect of CO2 in our atmosphere. Therefore, we need to plan for this. Thankfully, it will not happen next year, but it has started already and will happen over the course of the next century. We need to plan ahead for that. In some places that may mean major flood defences and sea defences. In other places it may mean saying to communities that they will have to be relocated. Considerable work is being done on that at the moment. I anticipate that the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, will be able to bring some detailed work on that to a Cabinet sub-committee before Christmas.