2. SEMINAR ON BUILDING COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE THE NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE KILLARNEY - 9 March 2012 Sean Hogan

3. Introduction Short introduction to emergency management arrangements in Ireland –“Framework for Major Emergency Management” for local/ regional co-ordination –National Co-ordination Systems approach, circular, involving reflection/ learning from experience Focus on serving those affected, and enabling community and voluntary organisations to collaborate effectively within co-ordination frameworks

4. The Framework for Major Emergency Management 2006 A Framework enabling An Garda Síochána, the Health Services Executive and Local Authorities to prepare for and make a co-ordinated response to major emergencies resulting from local and regional events, such as fires, transport accidents, hazardous substances incidents and severe weather.

5. Milestones in MEM Framework Project Review commissioned – Nov 04 Review Process & Drafting – 2005 Government approval - May 2006 –New Framework –Development Programme 2006 – 08 –National Steering Group MEDP commenced -12 Sept. 2006 Cut-overto new system - 30 Sept. 2008 System used for flooding Nov 09 and Oct 2011, Severe Cold Jan 2010 and Dec 2010, Cork Airport Feb 2011…….

6. Systems Approach International best practice Cyclical Process –Hazard Analysis –Mitigation –Planning and Preparedness –Response –Recovery Embedded in Framework National Policy

7. MEM Structures in Ireland New inter-agency structures established and worked at –National Level –NSG/ NWG –Regional Level –RSG/ RWG –Local Within each PRA sector

8. MEM Risk Assessment Process MEM RA Process as set out in guidance document used Provided scenarios for realistic planning and preparedness Flooding, Haz Mat, Transport, RTA, etc Basis for current National Risk Assessment process

9. The New Major Emergency Plan Each PRA has its own tailored MEP Common format - Common Section Headings New MEPs adopted for 30 Sept 2008 Updates

10. Links with other Emergency Plans New MEP links –to other national emergency plans (NEPNA, Infectious Diseases, Animal) –with site or event specific local emergency plans (SEVESO, Airport, Port, Sporting, Crowd Events etc.) Supported by documented sub- plans & procedures

11. “Lead Agency” for Co-ordination Lead Agency given responsibility and mandate for co-ordination function Senior Rep. of Lead Agency exercises the Co- ordination Role (takes the Chair) –At the Site –At the Local (Off-site) Co-ordination Group PRAs designated for “lead agency” role in Appendix 7 Lead Agency uses Generic Co-ordination facilities and Information Management process

12. Local Co-ordination Centres At least 1 existing building per county designated as LCC LA HQs selected as being most suitable in many cases Facilities for on-site co-ordination also

13. The Generic Information Management System Recognised Current Situation Key Issues Objective and Priorities Actions

14. MEM Framework on Community Language – Command, Control, Co- ordination, Collaboration, Communication Relevant Scenarios Section 3.4.1 – Resilient Communities Section 5.6.4.4 – The Voluntary Sector Section 5.6.4.7 – The Community Volunteer Guidance Document on Working with VES

15. National Level Co-ordination Government Task Force and Office for Emergency Planning in D/ Defence Lead Government Department Roles D/ECLG as LGD for 10 Response Scenarios, including Severe Weather, Nuclear, Fire, Environmental etc Transport emergencies

16. Multi-Level Co-ordination Major emergencies managed by local response services Co-ordination Levels –Site(s); –Local; –Regional; –National; –International Communication/ information flows between levels

17. “National Co-ordination Group” Not a standing committee, convened by LGD when situation warrants/ triggers….. National Emergency Co-ordination Centre in Kildare St, Dublin 2 Different memberships reflect requirements of situation, and change over duration… “Whole of Government” objective Focus for all issues, source of definitive public information, Stand-down as response phase wound down towards recovery

18. National Co-ordination Groups Bring together Political, Government Depts, Specialist Agencies, Response Agencies, PR etc to deal with national level issues, to support front-line response, and to ensure public information Daily meetings for severe weather, part of a rhythm to fit with political & media requirements…. Generic information management system as basis for managing crisis –anticipate, identify issues and solve problems

19. TOWARDS INTEGRATED EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Review of response to severe weather Ch 2 – Business, Agriculture and Community Engagement Conclusions and Recommendations Key Enablers Section

20. Summary Picture of our co-ordination arrangements - structures, processes and experiences Co-ordination structure is for multiple organisations involved, and multi-level – both horizontal and vertical Leadership and Learning This is context into which we need to develop further and progress community and voluntary involvement

21. Conclusion Painted in Irish Emergency Management context Clearly positive direction relating to community engagement Some experience……. Some dilemmas……. Learning today…….