Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 May 2024
44. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the results of the national risk assessment he published in March 2024; the measures being taken to reduce the risks identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22035/24]
View answerAs Chair of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, I published the National Risk Assessment for Ireland, 2023 on 28 March 2024. It identifies 22 key risks with Anti-Microbial Resistant Infection, Pandemic, Cyber Attack and Disruption to Critical Supply Chain rated as our highest probability and highest impact risks. Risks appearing for the first time include Damage to Undersea Infrastructure and Disruptive Use of Drones.
My Department has forwarded the National Risk Assessment for Ireland 2023 to the European Commission as part of Ireland's reporting requirements under Article 6 of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, where it will contribute to the overview of risks that the EU may face in the future.
This risk assessment will be constantly reviewed by the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, which I chair. This will allow for continuous horizon scanning of potential changes in the risk environment. Officials in my Department have also commenced a cross-government process to assess the capabilities of Government Departments to deal with the 22 national-level risks identified in the National Risk Assessment.
