There were over 30,000 outages in Longford, Leitrim and Roscommon after the unprecedented weather event.

Over 16,000 homes and businesses in the Shannonside region still have no electricity: 800 in Leitrim, 700 in Roscommon and around 1,300 in Longford.

New Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy will have to rule on the issue next week.

Almost 2,100 are waiting for their first outpatient appointment - including 175 children.

Sligo-Leitrim TD Martin Kenny, from Sinn Féin, says forestry is partly to blame.

Fianna Fáil's Eamon Scanlon and Independent TD Marian Harkin took the third and fourth seats respectively, who were elected on the 13th count.

Martin Kenny said the short run in coupled with poor weather has severely hampered canvassing efforts.

The candidates in today’s debate were: Councillor Nessa Cosgrove of the Labour Party; Blaithin Gallagher of the Green Party; Deputy Martin Kenny of Sinn Fein; Cllr Edel McSharry of Fianna Fáil; and Graham Monaghan of Aontu.