Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 19 Oct 1995

Vol. 457 No. 3

Written Answers. - Natural Disasters Plan.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

65 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance if he will put in place a co-ordination facility in the event of natural disasters such as the flooding in south Galway in order that victims can immediately contact the authorities best able to assist with relief and alleviation of suffering. [12085/95]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Coveney)

The Government established an inter-departmental committee in February 1995 which is chaired by the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, with special responsibility in the Office of Public Works, to co-ordinate its response to the effects of bad weather.

The committee has been considering the establishment of a National Response Plan to deal specifically with emergencies arising from flooding. In the course of its consideration of the problem, the committee has become aware of the existence of a number of plans to deal with different types of emergencies.

These include a major emergency plan drawn up on a county by county basis, which can be activated whenever necessary by the local authority, the Garda or the health board.

Major emergency plans are reviewed on a regular basis by a monitoring group comprised of representatives of the Departments of Environment, Health, Justice and Defence.

The committee will, of course, be anxious to ensure that experience gained as a result of the flooding which occurred in South Galway and other areas is taken into account to ensure the most effective utilisation of the emergency procedures in the event of similar occurrences in the future. While the inter-departmental committee has not yet reached a formal decision in the matter it hopes to be in a position to report to Government in the near future.