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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 19 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 5

Written Answers. - Emergency Planning Measures.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

119 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Defence if there has been a recent meeting of the emergency task force which he chairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4787/03]

In the aftermath of the events of 11 September 2001 the Government established a task force on emergency planning. 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, I am determined 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 recently presented a confidential annual report to Government on the work carried out by the task force since its establishment. The group continues to meet regularly to review the various emergency planning and response issues. The task force has met on 21 occasions since its establishment, the last such meeting was held on 22 January 2003.

I am pleased to report to this House that there continues to be a high level of co-operation between the Department of Defence and all other Departments and agencies working together through the task force. These arrangements have provided the fora to significantly enhance the emergency planning process within all Departments and agencies and have helped to improve public confidence in the emergency planning process. The Government task force on emergency planning will continue to meet to provide a significant forum to promote a facilitative climate and ensure the continued development of greater confidence in the emergency planning process. It will further ensure that the necessary resources in terms of people, equipment and training are deployed to best effect.
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