Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 91: To ask the Minister for Defence when the inter-departmental working group on emergency planning and the Task Force on Emergency Planning last met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8929/07]

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Defence when the last meeting of the Task Force on Emergency Planning took place; the agenda for the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8885/07]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Defence when the Task Force on Emergency Planning last met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8686/07]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 151: To ask the Minister for Defence when the Task Force on Emergency Planning last met; when it will meet again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8641/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 91, 119, 141 and 151 together.

The Government Task Force on Emergency Planning and the Inter-Departmental Working Group on Emergency Planning meet on a regular basis. The last Government Task Force meeting was held on Wednesday, 14th February. While a date has not been decided for the next Task Force meeting these are normally held every four to six weeks. The Inter-Departmental Working Group last met on 18th January and its next meeting is scheduled for 14th March.

While the documents relating to Government Task Force meetings are confidential, I can assure the Deputy, that the work of the Task Force continues to focus on coordination and oversight of emergency planning activities across the range of government departments and key public authorities. For example, in 2006, the issues addressed by the Task Force included the avian flu and the potential threat of an influenza pandemic, the preparation of the Public Information and Awareness Campaign on Emergency Planning and the development of the National Emergency Coordination Centre.

The Inter-Departmental Working Group comprises officials representing all Government departments and key public authorities. The Task Force charges this Working Group with carrying out specific tasks and developing particular aspects of emergency planning. The Working Group continues to address, on an ongoing basis, emergency planning matters with a view to minimising the potential consequences of any major emergency.