Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 52: To ask the Minister for Defence his proposals as chairman of the Government's task force on emergency planning, for a public information campaign on emergency planning; the form the campaign will take; when it is proposed to run the campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34023/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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As chairman of the Government task force on emergency planning, I have emphasised the importance of raising public awareness of this issue and the work that is being undertaken by Government Departments and public authorities.

In October last year the Government approved my proposals to implement a public information and awareness campaign on emergency planning and I am pleased to say that preparations are at an advanced stage. I intend to launch the campaign in the early part of 2008.

The campaign will have a number of elements. Its main focus is the publication and distribution to every household in the country of a handbook on emergency planning. This will be the first time that information on all of the State's emergency plans are presented to the public in this way. The handbook will also provide practical advice on how individuals can prepare for some of the more common emergencies and where they can obtain further information.

The distribution of the handbook will be accompanied by an extensive media advertising campaign to let people know what it is about and to reassure them that there is no cause for alarm.

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Minister knows there is no Army barracks in Tallaght but that does not stop me taking an interest in defence matters. I thank the Minister for his reply and note he mentioned distribution of a handbook.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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This question is a good plant.

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am always happy to hear from Deputy Deenihan and it is kind of him to be here, along with the Labour Party spokesman on Defence, for my question.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Is Deputy O'Connor seeking a barracks for Tallaght?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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He is not seeking a barracking.

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am always happy to support Ministers.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Will the Deputy refer his contributions through the Chair?

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I will and I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for his protection.

What is the timeframe for this campaign and what preparatory work has been done by the Department? Can the Minister tell us what he hopes to achieve through this campaign? Will there be roles in it for other Departments?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I brought this proposal to Government last October and we did some research that came to some startling conclusions. The vast majority of people think we are unprepared for emergencies and an even greater percentage of people would not know what to do in the event of an emergency.

A booklet will be accompanied by an extensive advertising campaign on radio and in newspapers. There will not be television adverts as they can be expensive but the campaign will be very effective. We hope to reassure people and let them know that detailed emergency plans are in place. We want to give ordinary people practical advice on what to do in the event of an emergency and let them know where further information is available.

Other Departments will have a role to play because our emergency response system sees the Departments taking leading roles while the Department of Defence co-ordinates. Getting information and co-operation from other Departments has delayed the advertising campaign but we are now on schedule.

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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In considering the drafting of the handbook and the advertising, has the Minister taken account of the need to avoid causing panic among the public, not only in Tallaght but in Kerry, Kildare, Limerick, Wexford and throughout the country?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Maybe they need panic buttons.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Tallaght has been mentioned twice in 30 seconds and that must be a record.

I have taken account of the possible panic the Deputy mentioned. This operation has been done in other countries, such as the UK and Australia, and one must be careful with the terminology used and how information to be given is drafted. The objective is to reassure the public rather than cause panic and I hope we achieve this.