Cowen again defends Govt handling of cold crisis
The Taoiseach is insisting the Government did handle the problems posed by the cold snap correctly.
Brian Cowen has been under fire after a national co-ordination strategy only emerged last Wednesday, two weeks after the cold weather began.
Transport Minister Noel Dempsey is also under fire for remaining on holidays during the crisis last week.
And Education Minister Batt O'Keefe ordered schools on Friday to remain closed for most of this week - but he is now allowing them re-open as a major thaw is happening in many parts of the country.
The Taoiseach is insisting the correct response to the crisis was given at all times by Government.
Meanwhile the Transport Minister has described himself as a "very diligent public representative" and said he was in "frequent" communication with his office while he was overseas.
"There are times when I have to take a break," Minister Dempsey said.
"There are times when I have to decide that family considerations should take precedence… I had a holiday couple of years back and I spent most of it on the phone because of another incident in relation to Shannon and London Heathrow flights from Aer Lingus."
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