Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 September 2009
963 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence his plans to introduce a legal structure to ensure that emergency planning is being implemented effectively here similar to the Civil Contingency Act in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31703/09]
View answerEmergency planning in this country is based on the lead Department principle. This means that every Government Department takes responsibility for managing those emergencies that fall with its remit, including any legislative requirements. The Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, which I chair, meets on a regular basis. There have been 60 meetings since it was established in 2001. The Task Force provides a forum for sharing information and keeping emergency planning high on the agenda of all Departments. In my role as chair of the Task Force, I submit an annual report on emergency planning to the Government. The report outlines the progress made and sets out the challenges faced across the emergency planning spectrum. I am satisfied that the existing arrangements are working well and that the lead Department structure is an effective one. I have no plans, therefore, to introduce new legislative arrangements in this area.
