Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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605. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality how well the State is prepared for a chemical, biological or radioactive attack or event. [34522/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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Arrangements in respect of major emergencies are set out in the Framework for Major Emergency Management (MEM) which is intended to enable the Principal Response Agencies to prepare for and make a coordinated response to such emergencies.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that Chemical, Biological, Radioactive or Nuclear (CBRN) attacks or events have a multi-agency response under the MEM Framework and training and exercises are conducted between agencies at a strategic and operational level for such incidents. I have previously advised the Deputy that An Garda Síochána has a large cohort of trained CBRN responders.

An Garda Síochána are the lead agency in a malign CBRN attack and conduct training with first responders, armed units and intervention teams for such an attack.

Alternative lead arrangements apply in respect of non-malign CBRN incidents as set out in the Framework.