Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 March 2014
18. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to reform the national co-ordination group on severe weather in view of the experience of recent storm damage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11882/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMost emergency situations are responded to and managed at local level by the relevant Principal Response Agencies - An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive Area and the relevant local authority. Local authorities are designated as the ‘lead agency’ for coordination purposes at local level. Where a situation merits, national level support can be brought to bear and a ‘lead Government Department’ will lead the coordination of the national level response. The purpose of this is to bring “whole of Government” support to bear in assisting the local response if required, to manage the national level issues and to ensure that information is provided to the public. The procedures and triggers for coordination at national level are set out in “Guidelines for Coordinating a National Level Emergency/ Crisis Response“ , published by the Office of Emergency Planning, Department of Defence, in 2011. This document also sets out the designated lead Government Department for 41 risk scenarios identified for Ireland.
As lead Government Department for severe weather, my Department convened and chaired a National Coordination Group on Severe Weather during the recent events on the basis of the Guidelines referred to above. In accordance with standing procedures, all aspects of these latest severe weather events, including response and coordination at national levels, will be reviewed and any lessons identified will be incorporated into future operating procedures.
