The Government has responded tonight to criticism about Ireland's state of preparedness in the event of attack. In a statement, it says that the concept of a single national emergency plan is not apt because of the range and variety of possible emergencies involving a range of expertise.
Referring to the World Health Organisation's alert on the possible use of biological and chemical weapons, it said that these would require additional response measures not already included in existing emergency plans.
The statement said that while there was no reason to believe Ireland would be the subject of such an attack it was prudent to update them. The statement was issued after the Cabinet reviewed progress on the implementation of the national response to the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington.
Opposition parties have strongly criticised the Government for what they saw as its failure to show competence and leadership on the issue. The row erupted following an RTÉ interview with Junior Minister, Joe Jacob, who is responsible for emergency planning in the event of a national disaster.
On RTÉ Radio this morning, the Wicklow TD was asked how Ireland would react if it came under nuclear, biological or chemical attack. Mr Jacob said that a co-ordinating committee had been set up by the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, and that all homes would receive fact sheets but he did not give precise details of how such an incident would be handled.
Labour TD, Eamon Gilmore, called on Environment Minister, Noel Dempsey, to make an immediate statement of clarification. Fine Gael TD, Charlie Flanagan, called for the dismissal of Mr Jacob after what he described as a disgraceful show of incompetence in his radio interview.
The last time there was a rush for gas masks in Ireland was during the Emergency. Army surplus stores here are receiving hundreds of calls daily about gas masks, which are nearly sold out in the states.
In the event of an attack, Ireland has a number of bunkers around the country. Most are located near army bases including Clonmel, North Dublin and the Curragh.
