Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2004
53 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself regarding the adequacy of arrangements, preparations and equipment available to or through his Department in the event of a terrorist attack; if the necessary early warning procedures have been put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13428/04]
View answerThe Garda Síochána has primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. The potential threats to the State arising from international terrorism are continuously monitored by them in co-operation with the Defence Forces. The advice available to me at this time is that, while the Garda authorities recognise that the terrorist threat to Europe may currently be high, in regard to Ireland it is low. Notwithstanding this, it is important that all prudent precautions are taken and that matters are kept under continuous review.
The objective of the Government is to ensure that all State bodies can react quickly and efficiently to any large-scale emergency. The key issue in regard to responding to any terrorist attack is to have in place appropriate and effective plans to respond to the impact of that attack and to protect the civilian population.
The Government task force on emergency planning has worked, since it was set up in 2001, to co-ordinate emergency planning and response arrangements across those Departments that lead and support the State's response in an emergency. The objective of the task force is to ensure that all State bodies can react quickly and efficiently to any large-scale emergency. As chair of this task force, my objective is to ensure that such responses continue to be characterised by effective management of all aspects of emergency planning and by a high level of public confidence in all the response arrangements. I am pleased to report to this House that there continues to be excellent co-operation between my Department and all other Departments and agencies through these mechanisms.
Planning for major accidents and emergencies has been ongoing for many years. This has been carried out at local level and co-ordinated on a regional basis in accordance with the Government major emergency planning framework. As chairperson of the Government task force, I requested all authorities to review their emergency plans and revise as appropriate. This process, which is ongoing, has led to a thorough examination and evaluation of emergency plans to ensure that arrangements are current and effective.
The focus for this work continues to be on making the necessary arrangements to at best prevent or, at least, minimise the risks from terrorist activities, ensuring that the protection available to the Irish people is maximised, putting mechanisms in place to support the response agencies and providing co-ordination for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
A critical issue in an emergency is the question of issuing adequate and timely warnings and providing the necessary information to the general public on threatened or developing emergencies. While television and radio broadcasting will be the key means of contact with the public to provide warnings and information on a developing situation and on precautionary measures, all other available means of communication will also be utilised.
The Defence Forces make contingency plans for a range of scenarios where the security of the State may be at risk. In addition, the Defence Forces have contingency plans in place regarding the provision of aid to the civil power, meaning in practice to assist, when requested, the Garda Síochána, and the provision of assistance to the civil authorities for a range of emergency situations.
An urgent and detailed review of capacities and procedures to deal with a range of emergencies was undertaken by the military authorities following on from the events of 11 September. It included, inter alia, an update of the threat assessment; intensive contacts with other State agencies; a reassessment of operations orders relating to vital installations, alert systems, the Army Ranger Wing, ordnance and engineer assets in terms of explosive ordnance disposal and specialist search and a review of equipment including the need for air defence. Guidance documents pertaining to aid to the civil power and aid to the civil authorities were also re-assessed. All matters arising were addressed and all procedures updated as required.
The capacity of the Defence Forces to deal with major emergencies is kept under constant review. Plans and procedures are updated as necessary and such additional equipment as is required to address any perceived deficiencies is acquired on the basis of identified priorities. Training and preparation for such events is also provided for in the Defence Forces annual training plan.
