Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

It is a permanent office staffed by civil servants. The task force comprises meetings of representatives from the different Departments with the Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces and the emergency services. It has met several times this year, I will get the exact number for the Deputy.

The Office of Emergency Planning is well aware of the situation that might pertain next Tuesday. There are established procedures whereby the Army can be called upon for back-up by various providers of emergency services. Those procedures are in place. The emergency planning office is well aware of them and if the Army is needed in any capacity on Tuesday, it will be available to assist.

See this speech in context