Bernard J. Durkan
Question:165 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he will meet eventualities in the event of a terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5001/03]
Written Answers. - National Emergency Plan.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:176 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself regarding the adequacy of the national emergency plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5013/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 176 together.
Planning for major accidents and emergencies has been ongoing for many years. This has been carried out at local and regional level in accordance with the Government major emergency planning framework. Through the Government task force on emergency planning, all authorities were advised to review their major emergency plans. This has led to the examination and evaluation of emergency plans at local level to ensure that arrangements are current and effective.
The emphasis of the work of the Government task force on emergency planning has been to ensure that emergency planning challenges continue to be addressed with a view to developing responses to possible threats and to promote co-ordination. It is essential to ensure that Departments and agencies with management roles in large scale emergencies are facilitated to carry out their respective tasks and that all necessary resources in terms of people, equipment and training are deployed to best effect.
The focus for the future will continue to be on taking the necessary precautions to minimise the risks from terrorist activities, ensuring that the protection available to the Irish people is maximised, putting the mechanisms in place to support the response agencies and co-ordinating for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
I am satisfied that the various plans developed and reviewed since the establishment of the Government task force on emergency planning have significantly enhanced the response potential of the State in the event of a large-scale emergency. As chairman of the Government task force on emergency planning, I will continue this work and regularly report to Government on these matters.