Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 February 2019
64. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to fully prepare for extreme weather events in 2019 (details supplied); if his Department is monitoring the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3139/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is the Lead Government Department for co-ordinating the response to severe weather events. The task of monitoring for, and initial response to, emergencies of all kinds within my Department's remit is assigned to the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management. The National Directorate responds on the basis of its Standard Operating Procedures and has gained considerable experience in working with Met Éireann to lead the response to severe weather at national level.
In addition to the considerable experience of responding to severe weather events over the last decade, much development work has also taken place in emergency management. This is based on a systemic risk management approach, following international good practice.
My Department reviews the response to each severe weather event, with a view to consolidating good practice and identifying issues for further improvement after each event. A review report has been prepared by my Department on the extreme weather events which occurred in the period August 2017 to August 2018, which includes three flooding events, ex-Hurricane Ophelia, Storm Emma and the extended drought of summer 2018.
My Department is implementing recommendations within its own remit. The report's recommendations on national co-ordination and cross-cutting actions are being considered by a sub-group established by the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning.
