Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 4

Written Answers. - National Emergency Plan.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

96 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he and his Department would play a role in the event of a major accident or emergency; the other Departments which are likely to be involved; the Department which plays the senior and co-ordinating role and would have overall control of such an operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24764/01]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith):

A review of the structures under which emergency planning is conducted is taking place. The attacks on the US have clearly changed the context for such emergency planning. Since the 1980s, the emphasis in planning was on peacetime emergencies, whereas now we are faced with new threats arising from international terrorism. In those circumstances the Government decided on 2 October 2001 to set up an office of emergency planning in the Department of Defence.

The new office is taking the lead role in emergency planning to meet the new threat from international terrorism and from any escalation in international tensions, including co-ordination of the responses by the various agencies involved and exercising an oversight role in relation to peacetime planning to ensure the best possible use of resources and compatibility between different planning requirements. The existing lead role of Departments in respect of specific emergency planning arrangements will of course continue.

I established the Office of Emergency Planning on 4 October, 2001. The office, which includes four senior staff both civil and military with additional support staff to be assigned as required, will be located in the Department's head office in Dublin. The operation of similar bodies in other jurisdictions is also being looked at to benefit from best international practice. I will make regular reports to the Cabinet and the Houses of the Oireachtas in relation to the work of the new office.

While there is in place an extensive framework of peacetime emergency plans, it is now clear that the basis on which emergency planning is currently carried out needs to be reviewed to take into account the possibility, however remote, of chemical and biological or other attacks on this State and its people or on neighbouring countries which could indirectly impact on this State. This process of review is continuing.

Arrangements for the activation of major emergency plans have not changed in light of the Governments decision to set up the office of emergency planning. The responsibility for specific emergency planning functions and response arrangements will remain with the relevant Departments and agencies, as heretofore. Response planning for major emergencies is carried out at local authority, health board or Garda division level and inputs from my Department, including the Defence Forces and Civil Defence, are factored into these plans.

My Department will assist the development of the continuous process of threat assessment being conducted by Government. The high level contact group, established in the wake of the events of 11 September, will in future be convened by the Department of Defence to support the office of emergency planning.

It is important to emphasise that there is no reason to believe that Ireland is a direct target for international terrorist attacks. It is prudent that the situation is kept under constant review in light of any escalation in international terrorism. However, the most important defence against any attack is, of course, vigilance leading to detection of potential terrorists and prevention of their activities by the security forces. The Garda Commissioner and the chief of staff of the Defence Forces have assured me that all necessary resources are being deployed to this end.

I am pleased to report to this House that there is a high level of co-operation between my Department and all Departments and agencies through the high level contact group and the office of emergency planning. The Defence Forces are ready to provide any assistance required of them.

Questions No. 97 and 98 answered with Question No. 16.