Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2017
449. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the way in which her Department responded to the declaration of the status red alert weather warning in relation to its own employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47922/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhen Met Éireann extended the 'status red' warning in relation to Storm Ophelia to include Leinster, and taking account of the recommendations of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group, my Department took a decision to close its offices for Monday the 16th of October. We took immediate steps to communicate directly with as many staff as possible on the Sunday evening of the 15th of October. This was done by way of email and text messages. My Department also issued this information on social media using its Twitter account.
In addition, a number of senior staff undertook to come to the building early in the morning of Monday 16th October and prior to the heavy winds due in Dublin, to send home any member of staff who did not receive the closure message. A small number of staff who came to the office were sent home as they arrived. My Department re-opened for business the following day.
