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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Feb 1991

Vol. 404 No. 7

Written Answers. - Disaster Plan.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

67 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment if he has satisfied himself that an adequate major disaster plan is in existence both nationally and in each local authority area; if he will outline when such plans are reviewed; if he will further outline the frequency and manner of test runs used to check the adequacy of these plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

In 1984, the Government approved a common framework for coordinated response to major emergencies and decided that responsibility for emergency planning at national level should rest with individual Government Departments within their own areas of responsibility and with the bodies responsible for emergency services — including local authorities — under their aegis.

The relevant local authorities have all prepared appropriate emergency plans and are required to review them annually in consultation with other emergency agencies. In June 1989 my Department issued detailed advice to local authorities in regard to the holding of exercises to test their plans and, while details are not required to be submitted to my Department, I am aware that several such exercises have taken place.

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