Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 2003

Vol. 573 No. 3

Written Answers. - Emergency Planning.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

198 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the reason there is no statutory basis for major emergency planning here, in view of the fact that emergency planning arrangements are based on a framework for a co-ordinated response to major emergencies document which was drawn up in 1984. [25499/03]

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

199 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the integrated emergency plan. [25500/03]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 together.

I can assure the Deputy that there is a statutory basis for Government emergency planning. Government Departments take the lead role in planning for emergencies in areas for which each has statutory responsibility and must ensure that they have the necessary legislation and adequate resources available, in terms of personnel and equipment, and the planning arrangements in place to respond to emergencies, including the responses of bodies under their aegis. All public authorities support these Departments, as required.

This approach has always informed Government emergency planning and was not changed by the introduction of the major emergency planning framework which was drawn up in 1984. The framework and the associated planning efforts of the Garda Síochána, the local authorities and the health boards, have served this country well for almost 20 years.

I chair a Government task force on emergency planning which co-ordinates Government emergency planning and responses across the State sector. An interdepartmental working group on emergency planning supports the work of this task force and carries out studies and oversight of emergency structures and processes. These mechanisms have been very important to integrate the emergency planning efforts of Government Departments and other public authorities to provide for co-ordinated emergency responses.

The approach to emergency planning which continues to be adopted by Government is very effective. I was pleased to report on recent progress in the confidential second annual report to Government on emergency planning, which I presented to Government last week. I can assure the Deputy that the good work and progress will continue.

Question Nos. 200 and 201 answered with Question No. 169.