Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Defence his proposals in regard to the 2008 annual programme of major stimulated exercises and to use these structured exercises to support sustained public awareness and reassurance. [6344/08]

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Defence the progress as chairman of the Government's Task Force on Emergency Planning he has made in preparing a public information campaign on emergency planning; when it is proposed to run the campaign; the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6372/08]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 138: To ask the Minister for Defence his proposals for the distribution of a new handbook on emergency planning to every household; when the distribution of the booklet will begin; the way it will be distributed; the anticipated cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6328/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 116, 119 and 138 together.

As Chairman of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, I am conscious of the need to raise public awareness of the excellent work that is being undertaken in this area by government departments and public authorities.

In 2006, the Office of Emergency Planning carried out market research into this issue and the results showed that a majority of people did not know what plans the State has to deal with major emergencies or what actions they should take in the event of an emergency occurring.

Following on from this research, I subsequently proposed a communications strategy to Government for the implementation of a public information and awareness campaign on emergency planning. The campaign, which was approved by Government in October 2006, provides for the following initiatives:

production and countrywide distribution of an introductory handbook on emergency planning

a media advertising campaign to let people know what this handbook is about and to provide reassurance that its publication is part of the continuing development of emergency planning and not a cause for alarm.

the use of structured exercises on an ongoing basis by individual departments to deliver key messages on their emergency plans to the wider public.

This will be the first time that information on all of the State's emergency plans are presented to the public in an easy to read handbook. The handbook will also provide practical advice on how individuals themselves can prepare for some of the more common emergencies. The handbook will be launched in April next and it will be distributed to homes over a two-week period. The total cost is approximately €2.5 million.

I wrote to my Cabinet colleagues earlier this month and requested that all departments and relevant agencies exercise their plans at a strategic level in order to reassure the public that these plans are of a high standard and are kept under constant review.