Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

When we talk about national emergency and the role of the Department of the Taoiseach, it is opportune to again express thanks to all in the emergency services who put themselves in harm's way on a daily basis for the citizens of this country and those who visit. In particular, as Deputy Howlin said, we remember the crew of Rescue 116, Dara Fitzpatrick, Mark Duffy, Paul Ormsby and Ciaran Smith and their heroic contribution to life saving in this country.

I put it to the Taoiseach that our current national arrangements for emergency management have effectively been left unchanged since they were first introduced by Deputy O'Dea a decade ago. Even though the scale and nature of potential emergencies has evolved dramatically since then, all structures are the same and there is no legislation concerning co-ordination of a State response to a major emergency. Ireland is one of the only countries in the world without any form of statute legislation concerning the structure for responding to national emergencies, such as widespread flooding or a public health disaster. It is the consistent model internationally that the prime minister's office takes the lead responsibility. I believe it is time for us to review our structures and implement appropriate legislation.

I met recently with the professional representatives of our Defence Forces, the Army in particular. It was shocking to listen to some of the revelations. For example, in Kilworth Camp, so low is the strength, the requisite number of corporals are not available to facilitate live fire tactical training, so they cannot do the training. The Air Corps is essentially a nine-to-five operation and is not in a position to do 24-7 operations. I understand there were fundamental changes in the bomb disposal unit and the exit of very experienced bomb disposal personnel. I agree with Deputy Howlin in regard to our state of readiness in the context of a terrorist attack. We are far too complacent, as a country, in regard to that threat and we should do far more to prepare our responses.

The Defence Forces have been in decline and numbers are below strength. Is it not time to have a proper review of structures to ensure we have the capacity to respond to these potential emergencies?

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