Ireland's plans for dealing with terrorist attack and other large-scale emergencies remain in good shape, the Minster for Defence, Mr O'Dea, has told Cabinet colleagues.
The Department of Defence today revealed that Mr O'Dea has presented ministers with the confidential Emergency Planning Annual Report to Government 2003/4 dealing with issues that have arisen during the year.
A Department statement issued this afternoon says: "The terrorist attacks in Madrid on the 11th March 2004 further stimulated those involved in emergency planning to ensure that readiness is maintained. Potential threats to the State are continuously monitored. State bodies will react quickly and effectively to any large-scale emergency."
The statement says the threat to Ireland remains low, and the challenge is to maintain a close assessment of information available.
It also says that during Ireland's EU presidency, the "major development areas concerned the containment of the terrorist threats and dealing with the possible consequences of terrorism". It also emphasises the significance of the European Council declaration on combating terrorism secured during the Irish presidency.
An emergency planning guidance document has been developed by the Office of Emergency Planning alongside the Inter Departmental Working Group to assist each government department in making and updating emergency provisions.