Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

That is an issue for the Minister in the relevant Department. Any views we have on this would be conveyed in this way.

I do not wish to say much more on the national security committee than what I said in my primary reply given the nature of its work. It liaises with relevant parties, it is an informal group and it keeps in regular contact. Issues such as international terrorism or a serious environmental discharge are part of its remit. However, the co-ordination of planning in respect of emergencies is dealt with by a unit in the Department of Defence.

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