Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for Defence the chain and sequence of command and operational structures governing the national emergency plan; the way in which such plans are likely to be activated in the future; the sequence of events leading up to such activation; the person or persons with overall responsibility in such matters; the degree to which a communications and advice centre is provided for in such plans having particular regard to the situation likely to arise in the event of either a natural disaster or a terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15987/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Emergency plans are in place for a number of specific emergency scenarios such as an influenza pandemic or a nuclear incident. As the Deputy will be aware, 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 and for activating its emergency plans and procedures when so required. These plans and procedures include arrangements for keeping the public informed and up-to-date.

The lead department liaises with the Office of Emergency Planning in my Department when activation of the National Emergency Coordination Centre is required. Where appropriate, the Office of Emergency Planning provides support to the lead department in coordinating a 'whole of government' response to an emergency situation.

The National Emergency Coordination Centre is a dedicated multifunctional facility in which ministers and/or senior officials convene to coordinate the response to a major emergency. The Centre is equipped with the latest robust communications systems. It was activated during the recent severe weather emergencies and is currently in use for the response to emergency situation caused by the volcanic ash plume.

In respect of emergency planning generally, 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. Potential threats to the State arising from international terrorism are continuously monitored by those involved, principally An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. They provide a security threat analysis at every meeting of the Task Force. The current threat is low.

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.