Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans for the Reserve Defence Force if there is a cold weather snap this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36741/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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At this point in time, I do not envisage that there will be a role for the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) if a period of severe weather occurs during this winter. Unless a situation was to arise that is far worse than has been the case in recent years, I am satisfied that the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) will once again be in a position to carry out all tasks assigned to it. Preparations to cope with the possibility of severe weather occurring during this winter are ongoing. The Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, which I Chair, has been working to further develop the "whole of Government" approach to preparing for severe weather. I recently Chaired a special meeting of the Task Force following which a public information campaign, including a dedicated website www.winterready.ie, was launched.

During the periods of severe weather that occurred over the past two winters, all assets, resources and capabilities of the PDF nationally were made available to the Government Task Force, and its Inter Agency Coordination Committee, for the purpose of providing assistance where it was not possible for other agencies and organisations to respond. The PDF's involvement proved to be extremely effective as it responded to all requests for assistance received from the civil authorities.