The Minister of State at the Office of Public Works is defending the Government's response to the flooding crisis.

Storm Frank has led to increased flooding around the country over the last 24 hours.

Earlier, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said it is a national emergency that requires an appropriate response from the Government.

Mr Martin also accused the Government of being too slow to respond to the needs of flooded communities.

Minister Simon Harris says he has visited areas in the West of the country, and will travel to counties Westmeath and Kilkenny today.

He also defended the Taoiseach's response to the flooding in recent weeks, saying Enda Kenny is "not just putting on the wellies and doing the Bertie Ahern standing in a puddle of water saying 'look at me taking action'. The Taoiseach is taking action".

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Environment and Local Government Barry Cowen earlier called for an emergency Cabinet meeting in light of ongoing flooding around the country.

Deputy Cowen said, "it’s astonishing that the Taoiseach has decided not to interrupt his Christmas holidays in light of the devastation caused by Storm Frank.

"The Taoiseach needs to get on the ground and see for himself the extensive disruption caused by flooding in areas such as Galway, Clare, Cork and Kilkenny," he added.

Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada, meanwhile, has criticised the Government's "ineptitude in preparing flood defences".

MEP Ní Riada says that “people across this island need to know that our political leaders have a plan to prevent this happening in the future. How far into the alphabet soup of storms do we need to go before the Government realises that significant long term plans are required?