I wish Senators a happy new year and wish us all every success in our role in the Seanad in 2014.

I welcome the positive news story of the significant investment in the rural development programme and I call on the Leader to ask the Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney, to come to the Chamber at his earliest convenience. It is a good positive news story for job creation in rural areas.

I also call on the Leader to ask the Government to expedite the provision of emergency funding to local authorities as a result of the damage due to the storms. In Galway city a preliminary report putting the cost at €1.3 million has been made. The county area will have a significantly higher figure. Coastal erosion is a huge issue, even with regard to the extension of the promenade to Silverstrand. These defence mechanisms need to be put in place now and it is critical we expedite the funding. If it is a matter of tapping into the EU Solidarity Fund we need to work fast on these issues and it cannot continue for a number of months.