Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I brought this proposal to Government last October and we did some research that came to some startling conclusions. The vast majority of people think we are unprepared for emergencies and an even greater percentage of people would not know what to do in the event of an emergency.

A booklet will be accompanied by an extensive advertising campaign on radio and in newspapers. There will not be television adverts as they can be expensive but the campaign will be very effective. We hope to reassure people and let them know that detailed emergency plans are in place. We want to give ordinary people practical advice on what to do in the event of an emergency and let them know where further information is available.

Other Departments will have a role to play because our emergency response system sees the Departments taking leading roles while the Department of Defence co-ordinates. Getting information and co-operation from other Departments has delayed the advertising campaign but we are now on schedule.

See this speech in context