153 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he has upgraded and updated plans in the event of a national emergency, particularly those precipitated by acts of terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13767/08]

The Minister for Defence as Chairman of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning has encouraged all departments and agencies to ensure that their plans are kept up to date and are exercised regularly.

Potential threats to the State arising from international terrorism are continuously monitored by those involved, principally the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. They provide a security threat analysis at every meeting of Task Force. The current threat level is assessed as low.