Response to storm was 'timely' - minister

Fianna Fail TD and Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary told the Dáil that while the "focus in recent weeks has been firmly on restoration of power" and on "getting back to normal operations", it is important that "now that has passed we need to look to the future".

Mr Calleary said that in his view "the response [to the storm] was timely".

However, he also acknowledged "that is not to say that lessons do not need to be learned", adding that the Government's "humanitarian assistance scheme continues to be open" to those who need it.

During the same Dáil debate, Independent Ireland member and TD for Limerick County Richard O'Donoghue said in his view many of the issues caused by the storm were at least partly related to Government legislation over tree felling and other matters.

Independent Ireland TD for Roscommon-South Leitrim Michael Fitzmaurice added that "we're nearly three weeks into this" [the storm recovery], and that those still affected need to be helped urgently.

Mr Fitzmaurice also said in his view there is a need for more traditional heating approaches in homes, saying "thank god a lot of people had a chimney" and that the Government should "ensure" homes in every county "have a chimney".