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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 11 to 18, inclusive, together.

The national risk assessment has been prepared since 2014 and provides an opportunity to identify and discuss significant risks which may arise for Ireland. The national risk assessment 2021-22 was published last December. The experience of recent years has brought home the importance of work in the area of risk management and preparedness. By promoting an open and inclusive discussion on the major risks facing the country, the national risk assessment plays an important role in this work.

Work is now under way on the latest version of the national risk assessment, and it is intended to publish a draft list of risks for public consultation in the coming weeks. This will provide an opportunity, as has been done in previous years, for stakeholders and Oireachtas Members to contribute to the development of the final report early next year.

Many of the proposed strategic risks will have been identified in previous assessments. However, there will likely be a number of new proposed economic risks, and a number of other previously identified risks will have evolved significantly in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and current cost-of-living challenges.

It is important to note that the national risk assessment is just one element of the overall system of preparedness and resilience planning for Ireland and is not intended to replace or displace the detailed risk management and preparedness carried out across Departments and agencies. It is, however, an important opportunity to reflect on strategic risks facing the country in the years ahead.

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