Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 246: To ask the Minister for Defence the role he is expected to play and is likely to play in crisis management control or direction or situations of national emergency; the logistical resources available in such situations; the person or persons responsible for activation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46609/10]

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 activating and managing the coordination of the response to those emergencies that impact on its areas of responsibility. In December 2008, the Government approved 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. My role as Chairman of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning is to support coordination in emergency planning across government departments and agencies. The Task Force is a forum for the sharing of information and best practice and for lesson learning. It meets regularly to discuss emergency planning issues and to hear expert advice and it met on six occasions during 2010.

The National Emergency Coordination Centre is activated in support of all emergencies which require a national-level response. Staff from the Office of Emergency Planning (civil and military) manage the Centre on an ongoing basis during such emergencies.