Taoiseach Enda Kenny has defended that no legislation is being debated in the Dáil today and tomorrow.
Responding to a question from Fianna Fáil leader Mícheál Martin during Order of Business, the Taoiseach said that the reason for not having legislation today is because of the demand from TDs to speak about the flooding crisis.
Almost six hours have been allotted this evening for TDs to make statements on the flooding.
Mr Kenny confirmed that the Dáíl will sit for three days next week where it is expected that the Credit Guarantee Bill, the Horse Racing Ireland Bill 2015 and the Public Sector Standards Bill will be debated.
Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly said local authorities had responded to around 20,000 calls at the height of the flooding crisis and paid tribute to staff and volunteers who worked to save homes and businesses.
He said following a meeting with the insurance sector yesterday, the Government sought to deal with those who cannot access insurance.
Minister Kelly told the Dáil that a new flood warning system will be put in place.
Simon Harris, the Minister for State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, told the Dáil that much money will be spent to prevent flooding in the coming years than in previous years.
Earlier, the Fianna Fáil leader accused the Taoiseach of being reluctant in accepting the full extent of climate change.
Micheál Martin said Mr Kenny’s reluctance was evident from his speech at the recent climate summit in Paris.
Regarding the flooding situation, Mr Martin suggested that the focus be on three main areas; the immediate response to families and businesses, insurance and a long-term flood defence.
Mr Kenny said the Government would give every support and assistance to those affected by flooding and said the National Coordination Group has met 30 times.
He said the Department of Social Protection was on the ground administering a humanitarian assistance scheme.
Tánaiste Joan Burton said the department had paid out a "modest expenditure" of around €250,000 to 270 households and anticipated the cost of claims as being significantly higher as people assess the full extent of the damage.
The Dáil has returned for the last time before the general election expected next month.
Meanwhile, a meeting of the banking inquiry which had been due to take place this afternoon has been postponed until tomorrow pending the receipt of legal advice.
The meeting comes after two developers expressed concerns about the contents of the inquiry's report.
Analysis: David Davin Power
TDS of all parties would prefer to be in their constituencies for the next six weeks rather than in Leinster House.
Even allowing for the election timetable, the Dáil and Seanad could easily have taken a longer break, such is the dearth of legislation to be passed.
Instead, the rest of January will be dominated by announcements of the implementation of legislation already passed and unveiling of plans and initiatives like the fresh Pathways to Work proposals due this afternoon.
With polls showing the Government parties well short of an overall majority, it will be all to play for in the ensuing campaign.
