Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 313: To ask the Minister for Defence the chain and sequence of command and operational structures governing the National Emergency Plan; the way 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 terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30755/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Emergency planning is based on the 'lead department' principle. This means that each department is responsible for assessing the risks, making appropriate plans and leading the response to those emergencies that impact on its areas of responsibility.

The Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, supports coordination in emergency planning across government departments and agencies. It is a forum for the sharing of information and best practice and it meets regularly to discuss emergency planning issues and hear expert advice.

In December 2008, the Government noted the document entitled 'Roles and Responsibilities in Emergency Planning'. This document, for the first time, identified the lead department and the supporting departments and agencies in over 40 emergency scenarios. It was prepared by the Office of Emergency Planning and was agreed by the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning.

The Department of Justice & Law Reform is designated as the lead department in coordinating the response to national security related incidents (including terrorism).

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is designated as the lead department in coordinating the national level response to severe weather emergencies. During the recent severe weather events, that Department chaired meetings of the National Emergency Response Committee, which included senior representatives from Government Departments, the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána, Met Eireann, the National Roads Authority and other State Agencies that supported the response. The Committee examined all of the issues arising from the severe weather. It provided a forum for sharing of information and helped to bring about a coordinated 'whole of government' response.

The National Emergency Coordination Centre was activated in support of the National Emergency Response Committee. Staff from the Office of Emergency Planning (civil and military) managed the Centre on an ongoing basis during the period of the emergency.

It should be stressed that the principal operational response to severe weather emergencies takes place at the local level and is coordinated by the local authorities in accordance with the arrangements set out in the Framework for Major Emergency Management.