Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 to 11, 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 experience of the past number of 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.

The National Risk Assessment 2023 - Overview of Strategic Risks was published in August and sets out a list of 25 strategic national risks. This follows on from a draft national risk assessment published in December last year for public consultation, providing opportunities for stakeholders and Oireachtas Members to contribute to its development. Many of the risks identified for 2023 have been identified in previous iterations of the national risk assessment, but have evolved significantly in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the cost-of-living challenge. The national risk assessment is just one element of the overall system of preparedness and resilience planning for Ireland and is not intended to replicate or displace the detailed risk management and preparedness carried out by individual Departments and Government agencies.

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