TDs will today spend more than five hours discussing the recent flooding crisis.

The Dáil returns from its Christmas recess today and Minister will discuss the recent flooding saga at a Cabinet meeting.

Meanwhile, the Social Protection Committee will meet this afternoon to discuss the Humanitarian Assistance fund for households and families who had their homes destroyed by the bad weather.

In Brussels, a cross-party delegation is asking the European Commission for clarification on whether or not rivers like the Shannon can be dredged, in a bid to prevent future flooding disasters.