Niall Collins (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 75: To ask the Minister for Defence when he will conduct a review into the effectiveness and impact of the recent public information campaign on emergency planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25448/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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A public information and awareness campaign on emergency planning was launched in April. The campaign was implemented following proposals that I brought to Government in late 2006 and January this year. My desire to implement a public information and awareness campaign on emergency planning stemmed from research that I had commissioned. The research clearly showed that there was a desire among the public to receive information on emergency planning.

The central focus of the campaign was the handbook, Preparing for Major Emergencies, which was delivered to every household in the country. It brings together for the first time details of the State's emergency plans to respond to a wide range of emergencies. It also provides practical advice on what to do in the event of an emergency.

To coincide with the launch of the handbook a three-week advertisement campaign was undertaken to let the people know that it was on the way and encourage everyone to read it. I propose to carry out market research later this year to review the impact of the campaign.

Niall Collins (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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I am encouraged to hear the publication of the handbook was based on professional research, which showed how little the general public knew of the State's emergency plans. It would be helpful to conduct follow-up research to determine whether awareness levels have increased. In this context, I have some linked supplementary questions. Is there a risk that the handbook could be out of date soon? Is the information contained within it too basic? Has the Minister received feedback on the success of the campaign?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I will answer the final question first. Anecdotal evidence suggests the campaign was a success, although we intend to conduct some relatively low cost market research later this year to determine what the impact the handbook has had. It should not go out of date soon because the information it contains is general. Any changes would be a matter for the lead Department and flagged on the website, on which the report is also available. I do not believe the information is basic because we researched what members of the public wanted and gave it to them. They wanted basic information and sought reassurance that there was an accessible system in place. That is what we gave them. We will carry out research later in the year to determine the success, or otherwise, of the campaign.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Those carrying out the research around the country later this year should ask members of the public whether they still have the booklet. I would say few do.

How often has the interdepartmental body which monitors emergency responses and which is under the chairmanship of the Minister met in the past year? How many permanent staff are in the office on Kildare Street? Is there a direct telephone line and is the number readily available to the public?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Is the Deputy talking about the emergency planning office?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Yes.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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That is still based in my Department. It has not yet moved permanently to Kildare Street.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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That is the plan.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The emergency centre in Kildare Street is all geared up to be used in the event of an emergency. It is also being used by the various Departments on a fairly continual basis for table-top exercises. I do not know whether people still have the booklet, but I do know that the whole thing is on the Internet. I do not know about Kerry, but most people in Limerick and Wexford have access to the Internet.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Not everybody has access to it, unfortunately.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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People have been made aware that the Government has a plan in place to deal with a range of emergencies. If one clicks onto the website, one will see telephone numbers one can ring if one needs further information.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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What about the Government group — the emergency group within the Cabinet?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Is the Deputy asking about the national emergency committee?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Yes. Does it meet often?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I am chairman of the emergency planning task force, which meets every four or five weeks. We have a meeting tomorrow afternoon. I do not know how often the national security committee meets. I am not a member of that august body.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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The Minister should be a member of it, given his position as Minister for Defence.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for his nomination.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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During a previous Question Time, I asked the Minister if he would inquire into the possibility of including information about this matter in the information packages which are distributed during Houses of the Oireachtas school visits. The Minister gave a commitment to speak to the Ceann Comhairle to see whether that would be possible. I wonder whether any progress was made in that regard. Did the proposal get any reaction?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I gave an instruction to one of my officials to speak to the Ceann Comhairle. I am disappointed that nobody has got back to me about it yet.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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I am just asking whether there was any response.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I will find out.