Vol. 498 No. 6
141 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that major accident plans exist in each area of the State; when these plans were last reviewed and practised; if he has satisfied himself that they are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28233/98]
Responsibility for emergency planning at central government rests with individual Departments within their own area of responsibility and with the emergency services under their aegis. Planning for dealing with major emergencies at local level is primarily a matter for the three main emergency response services, the Garda Síochána, health boards and local authorities, including the fire service. The main emergency services can call on the support of the Army and voluntary organisations such as the Civil Defence, Red Cross etc., if necessary.
All the main local authorities, county councils and county borough corporations, have prepared major emergency plans. These plans are updated regularly by the local authorities in light of relevant developments. The plans, inter alia, take cognisance of the roles and responsibilities of the other main emergency services and are designed to provide a co-ordinated response.
Exercises are undertaken by local authorities, often in conjunction with other agencies, as part of their preparedness for dealing with emergencies and as part of the ongoing review of plans. The frequency and nature of exercises are matters for individual authorities in light of local needs and circumstances.
In some areas, including Cork, the relevant agencies have worked together to develop joint major emergency plans. This does not affect the roles and the responsibilities of the individual emergency services as referred to above.
