Following on from what some of my colleagues have said about the flooding, will the Leader organise a debate with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, and the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Simon Harris, if not this week, early next week, to discuss the problems that have arisen from the unprecedented flooding at the weekend? Our thoughts are with the families and the businesses which have been severely discommoded as a result of being flooded and also with members of the farming community throughout the country who have lost animals and fodder. I hope the package being announced by Government today will address many of these issues. I am aware humanitarian aid is available to meet immediate needs. The victims of the 2009 flood who have no insurance must be given priority in the Government's aid programme. There is no doubt that investment in flood defences and other remedial works has to be a priority. While the town of Ballinasloe was severely impacted, the investment made there post-2009 has made an impact. More rain fell in the past weekend than in the flood event of 2009 and while a number of businesses and a few homes have been impacted, if there is no further rainfall, much of the town will not be impacted. The CFRAMS study is available and I hope it will be the blueprint for future investment. Funding is absolutely crucial. There is a need for an open discussion on many issues, including the causes of flooding. Much has been said in Ballinasloe about the lack of cleaning of the River Shannon and the silting caused by Bord na Móna. All of these issues will have to be addressed if a serious impact is to be made on preventing flooding.

Like others, I pay tribute to those involved in the huge local effort to lessen the impact on people at the weekend. Great work was done by the staff and members of the county council, the fire brigade, the Army, the Office of Public Works, local community volunteers and local contractors who were called on at short notice to help with pumping activities.

A full debate is required and I urge the Minister of State, Deputy Simon Harris; the Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney, and the Government to expedite a plan to put money behind the catchment flood risk assessment and management, CFRAM, study and deal with the worst impacted parts of the country first.