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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 3

Written Answers. - National Emergency Plan.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

126 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which equipment and facilities are available in the event of an emergency, such as a natural disaster or international terrorist activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5013/02]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

127 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on his role as co-ordinator of agencies in the context of a national emergency plan; the state of readiness regarding each of the agencies with whom he has dialogue; the estimated response time for each agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5014/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together.

In the aftermath of the events of 11 September 2001 the Government moved quickly and decisively to respond to the evolving international situation. In replies to previous questions to the House on 4 December 2001, I outlined details in relation to the establishment of the Government task force on emergency planning and the office of emergency planning.

A review of the structures under which emergency planning is conducted is continuing. The objective of the Government is to ensure that all State bodies can react quickly and efficiently to any large-scale emergency. As chairman of the task force, I intend that such responses would be characterised by effective management of all aspects of emergency planning and by a high level of public confidence in all the response arrangements.

The task force has been meeting regularly to review the various emergency planning and response issues. The role of this task force is to ensure a co-ordinated and an effective response to large scale emergencies. I am pleased to report to this House that there is a high level of co-operation between my Department and all other Departments and agencies through the task force on emergency planning, the office of emergency planning and the interdepartmental working group on emergency planning.

The office of emergency planning provides a key support to the task force and co-ordinates the work of the interdepartmental working group on emergency planning to meet the new threats arising from international terrorism. The existing lead role of Departments and agencies in respect of specific emergency planning arrangements will, of course, continue.

The review of existing emergency plans has been conducted in light of current developments and initial review shows that there are sound arrangements within the relevant Departments and agencies for dealing with emergency issues. The technical expertise and emergency planning skills that are required are available but there is a need to further the training and development of expertise in this important area.

Arrangements are in place in the various emergency plans for their activation. The resources of the State are grouped under the various national planning arrangements, directed by the relevant Departments and agencies. Each Department and agency maintains the necessary equipment, facilities and systems to provide an efficient organisation that can make the appropriate responses in quite different situations, ranging from daily bluelight emergency responses to 999 calls, to those major emergencies involving a much more detailed response and possibly the activation of major emergency plans.
Question No. 128 answered with Question No. 49.
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