‘Boxer’ Moran calls on Government to set up an emergency agency

A JUNIOR minister has called on the Government to set up a dedicated agency for emergency situations similar to many other European countries.

Minister of State for the OPW Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran said the State response to catastrophic events such as major flooding emergencies needs to be handled by a single agency.

‘This would ensure help can be on the ground within hours,’ he said.

‘This is particularly important where houses have become uninhabitable and people need help urgently.

‘The agency would oversee emergency services during natural disasters and should consist of Gardaí, Defence Forces, Civil Defence, the HSE and selected departments”, the Longford-Westmeath TD warned.

‘It would also meet on a regular basis with the aim of assessing mission readiness for major emergencies,’ he added.

‘It has become very clear to me, in witnessing at first-hand a number of major emergencies in recent years, that it is no longer the best approach to leave all the responsibility on the shoulders of the local authorities.’

Minister Moran also said the distribution of financial aid to distressed families should happen rapidly.

He said: ‘A dedicated agency would have the personnel to get on the ground swiftly.’