Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Matters related to health or water schemes are dealt with in the emergency planning within individual Departments and are not part of the remit of the national security committee. The committee comprises representatives at the highest level of the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Defence, the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, who examine areas of concern where there is a perceived threat to national security, whether of domestic or international origin. When the committee becomes aware of gaps or inadequacies in responses or preparations, it deals with these issues. It considers issues around international and national security and is not involved in day-to-day operational issues, which is the function of Departments, local authorities and State agencies.

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