asked the Minister for Health if his Department are represented on the inter-departmental committee that has been established for the overseeing of preparation and implementation of plans to deal with a war-time emergency; and if, in his area of responsibility, adequate productive capacity for, and stores of, goods necessary for life in order to enable Ireland to maintain a policy of neutrality are in existence in order to provide against the possibility of an armed conflict.
Written Answers. - War-Time Emergency Plans.
183.
My Department are represented on the inter-departmental committee which deals with emergency planning in the event of war. The committee are under the aegis of the Department of Defence.
The plans which are in place are structured in such a way as to take cognisance of escalcating international tensions which might lead to armed conflict and in such circumstances, steps can be taken as appropriate, to ensure the availability of adequate supplies of medical and surgical goods.