Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:27 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the work undertaken to date by the Office of Emergency Planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13820/02]
Vol. 553 No. 3
27 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the work undertaken to date by the Office of Emergency Planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13820/02]
In the aftermath of the events of 11 September 2001 the Government moved quickly and decisively to respond to the evolving international situation. In replies to previous questions to the House on 4 December 2001, I outlined details in relation to the establishment of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning and the Office of Emergency Planning.
A review of the structures under which emergency planning is conducted is continuing. The objective of the Government is to ensure that all State bodies can react quickly and efficiently to any large-scale emergency. As chairman of the task force, I intend that such responses would be characterised by effective management of all aspects of emergency planning and by a high level of public confidence in all the response arrangements.
The task force continues to meet regularly to review the various emergency planning and response issues. The role of this task force is to ensure a co-ordinated and an effective response to large scale emergencies.
The Office of Emergency Planning continues to provide a key support to the task force and co-ordinates the work of the Interdepartmental Working Group on Emergency Planning to meet the new threats arising from international terrorism. The existing lead role of Departments and agencies in respect of specific emergency planning arrangements will of course continue.