Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 February 2013
157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence his views regarding the ability of the Defence Forces to meet any emerging requirements of an emergency nature in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6545/13]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible.Emergency planning in this country is structured around the ‘Lead Department’ principle, which means that the Department that is responsible for an activity in normal conditions will maintain that responsibility in an emergency. There is no one national emergency response plan; however, there are robust processes in place for the inter-agency cooperation at the national, regional and local levels. Whilst the Defence Forces are not a Principal Response Agency, as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or severe weather emergency in its Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) role under the multi-agency Framework. At National level, representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, by both my Department and the Defence Forces, ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency. The Defence Forces are also represented on the eight Regional Working Groups that have been established under the Framework and, on an ongoing basis, designated members of the Defence Forces, based around the country, act as Liaison Officers to Local Authorities.
The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is available for deployments in response to emergencies and crises. The Defence Forces alert system is based on a graduated response, which ensures that the required level of readiness and commitment by the Defence Forces can be readily achieved. These arrangements have proved effective in all emergencies encountered to date. I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the ability to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government including provision of Aid to the Civil Authorities (ATCA) in any emergency situations that may arise.
