Bernard J. Durkan
Question:118 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he views early warning systems are required here in the present international situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9228/03]
Written Answers - Emergency Planning.
The Government task force on emergency planning, which I chair, continues to monitor and review issues concerning large-scale emergencies and potential threats from international terrorism. While the current threat assessment is not a cause for concern, the awareness that the situation could change rapidly, and with little warning, determines that vigilance is maintained.
The objective has been, in so far as possible, to confine and control threats before they translate to destructive actions. Those, principally the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, charged with precautionary activities are key to the process. They analyse information to assess potential vulnerabilities and enable those charged with protecting the public to concentrate scarce resources in the most effective way. I can confirm that there is no current credible threat to this State from international terrorism.
A critical issue for an emergency situation is the question of issuing adequate and timely warnings to the population and providing the necessary information to the general public on an imminent or ongoing emergency situation. Television and radio broadcasting will be the key means of contact with the public in such circumstances.
Question No. 119 answered with Question No. 112.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:120 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which emergency supplies, equipment or materials are likely to be made available in the event of a terrorist attack and in the context of the national emergency plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9230/03]
The Defence Forces assist, as necessary, in a wide range of emergency situations, which would include terrorist attacks, and account is taken of this assistance in the various emergency plans. As part of the ongoing review and updating of existing emergency plans, including inter alia major emergency plan, national emergency plan for nuclear accidents, plan for biological threats, the role of the Defence Forces and the nature of the required response under each plan is being reviewed. The Defence Forces response, which differs from plan to plan depending on the nature of the emergency involved, includes the provision of transport, emergency fire and ambulance support, humanitarian assistance, accommodation, security etc. and Defence Forces supplies, equipment and facilities are made available as the need arises.
Questions Nos. 121 and 122 answered with Question No. 83.