Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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136. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way in which his Department responded to the declaration of the status red weather warning in relation to its own employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47933/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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In the first instance, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the three people who tragically lost their lives during Storm Ophelia last month. 

The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government is the Lead Government Department for coordinating the response to severe weather emergencies at national level.  My Department is one of the Departments that participate in the National Emergency Coordination Group.

In terms of my own Department, the position on its response in relation to its own employees is that all offices of my Department remained closed on 16 October. Staff were notified by email and text message that they were not required to attend work. In addition, a message was shared on the Departments' social media account advising of the office closure.