Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 73: To ask the Minister for Defence if, as chairman of the Taskforce on Emergency Planning, his plans to continue the programme of major simulated exercises; when the next major simulated exercise is due to be run; the scenario that will be simulated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24577/09]

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

As chairman of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, I have stressed, on many occasions, the importance that I attach to departments and key public authorities having structured exercise programmes in place.

I believe that the development of these programmes is essential in order to refine and develop the arrangements that exist to improve them through review and revision, and to generally provide the basis for an increased confidence in the emergency planning process.

The Deputy will be aware that specific responsibility for emergency planning functions remains with the relevant lead government department and it is a matter for each department to implement its own structured exercise programme.

Departments have submitted details of their exercise plans for the current year. These are strategic exercises and include table-top and live exercises. Exercises planned for June/July include reviewing emergency procedures in respect of an incident at a SEVESO site (an industrial site falling within the terms of EU Council Directive dealing with dangerous substances, commonly referred to as Seveso II Directive) and testing procedures under the National Emergency Plan for Nuclear Accidents. The Irish Coast Guard, in cooperation with the Emergency Services, plans to hold a number of exercises over the summer, testing search and rescue techniques and promoting public awareness and water safety.

Also, an exercise was held recently to test the communications links between government departments and the National Emergency Coordination Centre.