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Emergency Planning

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2013

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Questions (34)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

34. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which he expects the Defence Forces to be in a position to provide the widest possible scale of emergency and support services with particular reference to air ambulance, naval and air surveillance and any necessary requirements in the event of natural or other disaster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29028/13]

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Written answers

The involvement of the Defence Forces in responding to emergencies or security issues arises from requests for assistance from An Garda Síochána in an Aid to the Civil Power role or from other agencies of State in Aid to the Civil Authority.

In relation to Aid to the Civil Authority, the Framework for Major Emergency Management sets out the structure for enabling the Principal Response Agencies (An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and Local Authorities) to prepare for, and make a coordinated response to, major emergencies and the Defence Forces respond within that Framework. Representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, by both my Department and the Defence Forces also ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency.

A Service Level Agreement between my Department and the Department of Health is in place which formalises the arrangements for the support provided by the Air Corps for emergency inter-hospital transfers, in the following cases:

- spinal and serious injuries and illnesses,

- air transport of neonates requiring immediate medical intervention within Ireland,

- air transport of patients requiring organ transplants in the UK,

- air transport of Organ Retrieval Teams within Ireland, and

- air transport of patients from offshore islands to mainland hospitals where the Irish Coast Guard service is not available.

In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding has been agreed between my Department and the Department of Health which underpins the Air Corps’ support to the National Ambulance Service for a pilot Emergency Aeromedical Support service, operating primarily in the west of Ireland and from Custume Barracks Athlone. This pilot service was for a twelve month period from 4 June 2012. It has now been extended for a period of up to three months from 4 June 2013 pending consideration by my colleague, the Minister for Health, of a Report on a review of the pilot service which is currently being finalised.

In relation to the Naval Service, all vessels are multi-tasked in the sense that, in addition to their fishery protection role, they also undertake general surveillance, security, pollution monitoring, Search and Rescue and other duties while on patrol. These activities assist in detecting and preventing emergency situations throughout Ireland’s maritime jurisdiction.

Regular exercises are undertaken by the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps and the Naval Service, with the Principal Response Agencies and other Agencies who have a lead role in emergency management and response.

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