Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is important in this section to recognise the role local authorities have played in regard to Civil Defence plans. Dialogue at local level and local expertise are extremely important in a crisis. In this regard, Senator Michael Mullins referred to flooding. Local knowledge is key if there is a dangerous accident or a big event taking place. The centralising of functions under the Minister is welcome, but we need to maintain local expertise throughout the organisation. Will the Minister of State clarify how this will be achieved under the new arrangement?