Michael Collins presses ministers for answers on storm crisis

Michael Collins spoke in the Dáil about the government's response to the storm, saying relevant ministers must appear and outline what they will do. He objected to the order of business and demanded direct answers from the Minister of Environment, Minister of Health, Minister of Disabilities, Minister of Education, Minister of Social Protection and Rural Affairs.

Objection to Dáil order of business

While accepting that the Chief Whip had tried to give time to the issue, he objected to the current order of business and said the scale of the emergency required ministers to be brought before the Dáil for detailed statements.

Scale of damage and shortages

He reported 18,000 homes still without power, damaged houses, sheds blown down with cattle exposed, and communities facing no water, no heat and no food. The speech emphasised widespread disruption and immediate human needs following the storm.

Demand for ministerial accountability

He called for each relevant minister to come before the Dáil and to "outline exactly what is going to do", listing the Minister of Environment, Minister of Health, Minister of Disabilities, Minister of Education, Minister of Social Protection and Rural Affairs by name as those who must answer.

Assessment of emergency response

He warned there was "no adequate emergency response in place from government" and described the situation as one of the most significant emergencies the country had faced, saying the Dáil needed proper answers from each minister.