Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 381: To ask the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that the national emergency plan is capable of dealing with all emergencies that may arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25242/09]

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 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. As Chairman of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning I receive regular updates from the National Steering Group on progress made in the implementation of the Framework.

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 held 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.

In my role as Chairman of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, I make an Annual Report to Government on Emergency Planning. The Report outlines the progress made across a range of emergency planning issues and identifies any areas where emergency plans can be further developed.