The Taoiseach has defended the government’s response to the problems caused by the severe cold weather affecting the country.

Brian Cowen says he has now asked the Department of the Environment to co-ordinate the national relief effort.

However, he’s warned that grit and salt supplies are running low,  and its going to be much more difficult to de-ice the roads from next week on.

Brian Cowen says the key task of the Emergency Response Committee will be to try and source more salt.

“Stock piles in Carrickfergus would be very depleted now, compared to what it was some weeks ago” he said.

“We have to be dependent on 3,000 tonnes per week from that source as well”.

“So it’s a question really against the background of so many areas requiring this material – we’re in there competing to get supplies with other countries who are seeking it as well” he added.