Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 451: To ask the Minister for Defence the full extent to which the Army, Navy and Air Corps are involved in the national emergency plan; the Government Department or sector which has overall responsibility in such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18163/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Emergency planning in this country is developed on the ' lead department' principle. This means that each department is responsible for planning for emergencies that fall within its area of responsibility. National emergency plans are in place for a number of specific emergency scenarios such as a nuclear incident or an influenza pandemic. The Government Task Force for Emergency Planning supports coordination of emergency planning across departments and key agencies. The Task Force, which I chair, meets on a regular basis and there have been 60 meetings since it was established in 2001. It provides a forum for sharing information and keeping emergency planning high on the agenda of all government departments.

The Framework for Major Emergency Management is the document that sets out a structure enabling the Principal Response Agencies (An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and Local Authorities) to prepare for, and make a coordinated response to, major emergencies resulting from events such as fires, transport accidents, hazardous substance incidents and severe weather. The involvement of the Defence Forces in responding to emergencies arises from requests for assistance from An Garda Síochána (aid to the civil power) or from other agencies of the State (aid to the civil authority). The role of the Defence Forces in these situations would depend on the nature of the incident and the assistance requested.

The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are represented on a number of National emergency committees/groups including: Government Task Force on Emergency Planning; Interdepartmental Working Group on Emergency Planning;

National Steering Group on Major Emergency Management; Interdepartmental Committee on Public Health Emergency Planning;

Emergency Response Committee on Nuclear Accidents.

The Major Emergency Plans which have been developed by local and regional authorities identify the procedures for requesting assistance from the Defence Forces. The provision of Defence Forces' support is dependent on the exigencies of demands, and within available resources, having regard to both current and contingent Defence Forces operational commitments at the time. Nevertheless, every effort continues to be made by the Department and the Defence Forces to respond as swiftly and efficiently as prevailing circumstances permit.

The negotiation of prior agreed arrangements through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) between the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and relevant Government Departments continues to facilitate a planned and efficient response in emergency situations. SLAs have been agreed with a range of Departments in this regard and discussions are ongoing with other Government Departments and agencies regarding the developments of further SLAs.