The Taoiseach has denied that the Government delayed asking the EU for help after widespread destruction caused by one of the worst storms to hit the country. Micheal Martin said it is not his understanding that there was a significant delay in requesting help, including generators and additional crews, from the EU.
Mr Martin said that the issue has been “completely overplayed”, and that some of those involved in helping to organise and restore power have been “frustrated” by the reports. Among those criticising the Government over its request for assistance was Midlands North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly.
He said that Ireland was first offered help by the European Commissioner for crisis management last Wednesday, days before the storm hit the country, and that the Government did not respond until days later. Speaking to reporters in Kiltoom, outside Athlone in Co Roscommon, Mr Martin said that there will be political accountability when the Dail returns next week.
“I think this is completely overplayed, if I’m honest, in terms of the enormity and scale of the response to the storm,” Mr Martin said. “I actually think the work of the agencies should be now dealing with and responding to the needs of the people.
“The Dail debate in itself will not in any way help to restore power, or indeed electricity. “For a lot of the people involved, they’re very frustrated at some of what’s been said, because they’ve worked night and day. “They met well in advance of the storm, their first priority was to save life and limb and that means when the storm is raging, you can’t come out.
