Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his response. The most recent meeting pertained to flood risk and advanced warning, and a presentation was given by the Office of Public Works. The previous meeting pertained to an update concerning the severe weather experienced last Christmas. It is clear there was a lack of leadership with regard to the severe weather experienced last Christmas. It took the outgoing Government a considerable length of time to initiate emergency planning and to decide who would be responsible for it. Has consideration being given to allowing the Defence Forces to lead that agency no matter what the crisis, whether it be flooding or some other severe weather issue? The Defence Forces have the skill set to carry out the requisite co-ordination. Moreover, has the lack of co-ordination last December between local authorities, the HSE and the Defence Forces been resolved? Are clear protocols in place to ensure the Army is not obliged to wait almost for a gold-plated invitation before it can provide the civil authorities with the assistance they so urgently need?

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