Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

In 2008, I brought a document to the Government which outlined what happens in the event of various emergencies, including a weather situation like that which we have just experienced. That document identified the lead Department in all cases. For example, if there was an oil spillage off the coast, the Department of the Marine would lead. If there was a terrorist attack, the Garda Síochána would lead. In weather crises such as that which we recently experienced, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is the lead Department. That Department summons the emergency response committee during the crisis appropriate to its area of responsibility. That is the position.

The framework for the local situation is in place. I am told that there is a framework plan for each-----

See this speech in context