Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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169. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on progress in enhancing our capacity to respond to climate-related emergencies, including through the role of the Defence Forces in civil defence and disaster response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18130/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I would like to thank the Deputy for allowing me the opportunity to recognise yet again the positive contribution made by the Civil Defence and the Defence Forces in supporting our communities during Storm Éowyn, and the other severe weather events that occurred this winter. As I have said before and will say again we collectively owe them a debt of gratitude.

Climate change is a whole-of-Government, whole-of-society issue. The Office of Emergency Planning, in my Department, conducts the National Risk Assessment, which in 2023 identified 22 key risks facing Ireland and analysed each risk to assess the impacts of climate change on them.

In relation to the Defence Forces, while they are not a Principal Response Agency, they do where requested, provide assistance to the appropriate lead government department, in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its Aid to Civil Authority (ATCA) role.

The Civil Defence provide critical community support operations in times of crisis. Local coordination of Civil Defence resources is delivered through the local authorities. The Civil Defence also supports the HSE and An Garda Síochána during crises, where resources and capabilities exist. Civil Defence and the Defence are primarily response organisations, which can bring additional resources to assist in responding to negative events associated with Climate Change.

As Chair of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, I have made it very clear that any lessons identified from recent events are to be incorporated into future planning and resilience to minimise the impacts of climate related emergencies on our communities. I understand that the Department of Housing has commenced a lessons learned process following Storm Éowyn. My Department will be centrally involved in this process and it is intended to advise Government of the lesson learnt and necessary follow up actions by June this year.