Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 June 2025
37. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline the current and planned measures by the Defence Forces to enhance their preparedness for responding to climate-related emergencies, including flooding, wildfires and severe weather events, in light of the growing risks these pose to national infrastructure and public safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31118/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraClimate 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 recent Defence Policy Review sets out that the Defence Forces carry out ATCA supports to other Government Departments and principal response agencies to address climate change challenges, extreme weather events and wider national emergency response and supports as well as the provision of certain aeromedical supports to the HSE. 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 has been centrally involved in this process and I understand that it is intended to advise the Government of the lessons learned and necessary follow up actions in the coming weeks.
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces identifies that where possible, future capabilities should be dual-use, therefore allowing them to be used in delivering Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) and Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) operations in addition to core military functions. The report also calls for the Defence Forces to integrate with whole-of-government processes, with a focus on contributing to national security and national resilience through ATCP and ATCA operations. The Defence Forces are already integrated into the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning and contribute senior officers to the National Emergency Coordination Group when convened.
