Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

The emergency task force which was convened recently did exactly that. It was related to the water issue, where there was a real crisis in terms of the loss of water due to people leaving taps running and so on. It was on that basis the emergency task force went to the mobile phone companies and asked if it was possible for it to use the communications technology in that way. There were difficulties, as is the case when 4.5 million or 5 million messages need to be sent, which have to be considered. In that instance it was not used. It was felt that radio and television broadcasting communications systems could deliver the message. There may be other circumstances. The one to which the Deputy referred is a good example of where it may be possible for us on an emergency service basis to provide instant messaging in such a way. The Department is engaged and will liaise with the Deputy in that regard to see what specific measures will work.

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