Written answers

Tuesday, 28 March 2006

Department of Defence

National Emergency Plan

11:00 pm

Photo of Paul GogartyPaul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 76: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will report on the March meetings of the interdepartmental working group on emergency planning and the task force on emergency planning; if the security measures surrounding the transit of President George W. Bush through Shannon Airport would have been considered by those groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11806/06]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government task force on emergency planning has worked since it was set up in 2001 to co-ordinate emergency planning and response arrangements across those Departments that lead and support the State's response in an emergency. The interdepartmental working group on emergency planning supports the work of the task force. The working group is a forum for developing strategic guidance for all those involved in emergency planning and for sharing information on emergency planning.

A meeting of the task force was held on Thursday, 9 March 2006 and of the interdepartmental working group met on Wednesday, 1 March 2006.

Both of these meetings were specifically convened to provide the various Department representatives with updated briefings from the Department of Agriculture and Food with regard to avian flu and from the Department of Health and Children with regard to a possible human flu pandemic.

The Department of Agriculture and Food is represented on both the task force and the interdepartmental working group and has been providing regular briefings on avian flu developments at these meetings over the past number of months. The situation with regard to avian flu will continue to be monitored and reviewed by that Department in close co-operation with the Department of Health and Children. The recent task force and interdepartmental working group meetings were also briefed by the Department of Health and Children representatives in relation to the preparations and plans which are being put in place to deal with any possible human influenza pandemic. My colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, who has lead responsibility in this area, is addressing the various issues that may arise if such a situation occurs.

As the Deputy will be aware, it is standard practice for the Government and the Garda Síochána to be made aware of visits by heads of state and this practice was adhered to with regard to President Bush's recent stopover. Specific operational arrangements with regard to such visits would be a matter for the Garda Síochána. It is not policy to discuss specific matters of security in relation to the protection of visiting heads of state to Ireland.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.