Taoiseach launches public information and awareness campaign on emergency planning
Release Date: Apr 14th, 2008
An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern T.D. today (Monday, 14th April 2008) launched the Government’s public information and awareness campaign on emergency planning at the National Emergency Co-Ordination Centre in Dublin. He was accompanied by the Minister for Defence and Chairman of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, Willie O’Dea T.D., who has overseen the development of the campaign.
The public information and awareness campaign is designed to reassure the public that Government and State Agencies have well thought out plans in place in the event of a major emergency. A handbook giving an introduction to these plans will be delivered to every household in the country over the next fortnight.
The Government does not believe that a major or national emergency is any more likely now than in the past. The public information and awareness campaign is a response to the findings of market research, commissioned by the Office of Emergency Planning, which showed that members of the public wanted reassurance that the Government did have plans ready in case of any major emergency.
As well as the distribution of a handbook, the campaign will consist of a nationwide advertising campaign explaining to citizens that they should read the handbook and keep it in a safe place for reference purposes.
The handbook, which has been produced in association with all Government Departments and relevant State Agencies, explains what a major emergency is, provides information on different aspects of emergency planning and outlines key steps and very practical advice on dealing with and handling some of the more common emergency situations. The publication also provides the public with introductory information on the comprehensive planning for possible emergencies that has taken place in Ireland over the last number of years and gives guidance on where more detailed information can be obtained. The handbook is also published on www.emergencyplanning.ie and is available in CD format, in large print, in braille and an easy to read version. The handbook, published in English and Irish is also available in other key languages pertinent to Ireland’s growing international population.
All individuals who have registered with NCBI's VIPER database (Vision Impaired Persons Electronic Register) should receive a copy of the handbook in their requested format.
Speaking at the official launch today, attended by representatives of the Government’s Task Force on Emergency Planning, An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern T.D. paid tribute to the emergency services, An Garda Siochana, the Defence Forces and the many public servants who provide key emergency services on a daily basis across the country. An Taoiseach said:
“At the core of this campaign is the goal of awareness and reassurance. It is not to cause undue concern that the Government believes an emergency is any more likely now than in the past. It is simply to tell the public that we have comprehensive plans in place. I would like to pay tribute to the many people who work behind the scenes preparing, updating and testing these plans. Ireland has a very good track record in this area. Our handling of the foot & mouth disease for example, has shown us to be in the forefront in this field.”
Minister for Defence and Chairman of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, Willie O’Dea T.D. commented at today’s launch:
“Following the tragic and harrowing events of 9/11, emergency planning came into focus worldwide. This led to the establishment of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning to help provide coordination across all Government Departments and Agencies in their emergency planning and response. In the event of an emergency, the lead responsibility for specific emergency response remains with relevant Government Department and or Agency supported by all other Government Departments and Agencies as required.
“The purpose of this information campaign is to give some useful advice and to reassure the public that Departments and Agencies have a comprehensive set of Emergency Plans in place that conform to the highest international standards. These plans are constantly reviewed, assessed and where necessary updated. Today’s campaign and handbook launch, is supported by our website, www.emergencyplanning.ie which along with the Emergency Planning handbook will give the public practical information on emergency plans and steps to take if a major emergency were to take place”.
Note on VIPER
VIPER was set up in 2003 by NCBI Library Services to facilitate sending out information in accessible formats. For further information on how to register with VIPER, please contact NCBI’s Lina Kouzi on LoCall 1850 33 43 53.