Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:58 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has put in place an adequate early warning system to prevent a possible terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9505/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 25 March 2004
Ceisteanna (58, 59, 60)
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:59 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that the national emergency plan is capable of dealing adequately with all emergencies that may arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9506/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard J. Durkan
Ceist:60 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he has upgraded and updated plans in the event of a national emergency, particularly those precipitated by acts of terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9507/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 to 60, inclusive, together.
Emergency planning for major accidents and emergencies has been ongoing for many years. This has been carried out at local level and co-ordinated on a regional basis in accordance with the Government major emergency planning framework. As chairperson of the Government task force on emergency planning, I have requested all authorities to review their emergency plans and revise them as appropriate. This has led to the examination and evaluation of emergency plans to ensure that the arrangements are current and effective.
The emphasis of the work of the Government task force on emergency planning has been to ensure that emergency planning challenges continue to be addressed with a view to developing responses to possible threats and to promote co-ordination of response arrangements. The focus for this work continues to be on taking the necessary precautions to, at best, prevent or, at least, minimise the risks from terrorist activities, ensuring that the protection available to the public is maximised, putting the mechanisms in place to support the response agencies and co-ordinating for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
A critical issue in an emergency situation is the question of issuing adequate and timely warnings to the population and providing the necessary information to the general public on threatened or developing emergency situations. Television and radio broadcasting will be the key means of contact with the public in such circumstances but all other means of communication at the disposal of the State will be utilised. I assure the Deputy that Departments continue to 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, personnel, equipment and the planning arrangements in place to respond to emergencies, including the responses of bodies under their aegis.
The European Union has played a key part in developing response measures to assist member states and third countries in the light of possible further terrorist attacks and atrocities. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has the lead responsibility for representing Ireland on EU civil protection matters and forms part of a network of all the member states. The EU civil protection mechanism and other international mechanisms provide Ireland with a number of warning and alert systems and mechanisms for providing assistance in emergencies.
As President of the European Council, the Taoiseach has recently issued a statement on proposals to counter terrorism in the aftermath of 11 March attacks in Madrid. These proposals will inform the discussions and developments taking place at the European Council meeting being held today.
The Government task force on emergency planning continues to meet regularly and 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 Departments and other public authorities to provide for co-ordinated emergency responses.
I am satisfied that the various plans developed and reviewed since the establishment of the Government task force on emergency planning are well co-ordinated and have significantly enhanced the response potential of the State in the event of a large-scale emergency. This approach to emergency planning, which continues to be adopted by Government, is very effective. I was pleased to report on such progress in the confidential second annual report to Government on emergency planning, which I presented to Government in October 2003. As chairman of the Government task force on emergency planning, I will continue this work and report regularly to Government and to this House on these matters.