A framework for major emergency management

The Framework for Major Emergency Management was developed in 2005 and was adopted by government decision in 2006. Its purpose is to set out common arrangements and structures for front line public sector emergency management in Ireland. The Framework is based on the internationally recognised systems approach that, in essence, proposes an iterative cycle of continuous activity through five stages of emergency management:

• hazard identification
• mitigation
• preparedness
• response
• recovery

The Framework is designed to fit with the ‘all hazards’ approach to emergency management, and has been developed reflecting best international practice, customised to suit Irish conditions. In Ireland, one of the main purposes of the Framework for Major Emergency Management is to set out the working relationship between the various elements which make up the front line emergency response.

One of the key objectives of the Framework is to set out the arrangements and facilities for effective co-ordination of the individual response efforts of the Principal Response Agencies to major emergencies, so that the combined result is greater than the sum of the individual efforts. The Framework assigns responsibility for undertaking the co-ordination function clearly and unambiguously and requires it to be supported, so that it happens and is effective.

• it provides that a “Lead Agency” should be identified from the Principal Response Agencies, and be assigned the responsibility and mandate for the co-ordination function in Local and Regional scale emergencies. The Framework provides that one of the three Principal Response Agencies will be designated as the “Lead Agency” for any emergency and thereby assume the responsibility for leading the co-ordination
• the mechanisms for determining and designating the Lead Agency in any situation are set out in the Framework. In Table 7.1 of Appendix F7, pre-nominated lead agencies for common incident types are presented, and this is the primary basis for determining the Lead Agency
• the concept of the “Lead Agency” provides for clear leadership co-ordination and collaborative emergency management and one that fits with Irish arrangements

The additional structures, arrangements and facilities, which are required to make co-ordination happen successfully are set out in the Framework. It is necessary to make sure that the co-ordination process is effective and streamlined, so that it fits in with current practice and structures, and with the requirements of differing emergency situations. Viewing co-ordination as a progressively expanding task, as the scale / complexity of the emergency increases, is regarded as crucial, as well as:

• defining key roles and co-ordination
• defining and setting the parameters/boundaries for the mandate/authority given with the co-ordination responsibility
• identifying physical spaces to provide for and support co-ordination
• appropriate communication facilities
• co-ordination of media liaison and
• information management systems

Information on the Framework for Major Emergency Management is available through clicking on the menu buttons. Further information is available by clicking on the links below.

Structures have been set up at National, Regional and Local level to support development of the Framework.

National

At National level, by government decision, a National Steering Group (NSG) was established, replacing the Inter-Departmental Committee on Major Emergencies. The NSG established a National Working Group (NWG) to undertake tasks associated with the programme.

Regional

Arising from the provisions of the Framework, in each of the eight Major Emergency Management regions, a Regional Steering Group (RSG) on Major Emergency Management was formed, comprising senior personnel from the Principal Response Agencies within that region. The Framework provided that Regional Working Groups (RWGs) were to be formed to support the Regional Steering Groups and to undertake the functions assigned at regional level.

Local/Agency

At Local/Agency level each principal response agency is responsible for undertaking the requirements set out in the Framework.

The National Steering Group was established, by government decision (2006), replacing the Inter-Departmental Committee on Major Emergencies. The National Steering Group is mandated by Government to oversee the implementation and the development of the Framework for Major Emergency Management (2006), essentially acting as the board of management for the Principal Response Agencies MEM (in terms of governance structures). This group comprises of representatives of five government departments (Housing, Health, Justice, Defence and Transport) and the three Principal Response Agencies, An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and the Local Authorities (via the City and County Managers Association). The National Steering Group is chaired and supported by a secretariat from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The National Steering Group aims to drive continuous improvement, facilitating research and development and supporting knowledge sharing and learning in MEM.

The National Working Group comprises of representatives from the three Principal Response Agencies, and is currently chaired and supported by An Garda Síochána. The National Working Group draws on expertise from the eight MEM Regions in Ireland to develop:

• guidance documents supporting the Framework objectives
• protocol for Inter-Agency working
• coordination for interagency working at the planning stages
• exercise
• training

Eight Major Emergency Management Regions have been established in Ireland. Each Region undertakes annual work programmes to plan and prepare for major emergencies based on the risks identified through the inter-agency Regional risk assessments.

The work objectives in each Region are set and managed by a Regional Steering Group (RSG) on Major Emergency Management, comprising of senior personnel from the Principal Response Agencies. The primary role of each Regional Steering Group on Major Emergency Management is to ensure that the Regional aspect of preparedness set out in the Framework is delivered. The work is undertaken by the Regional Working Group within the Region and task specific sub groups. Counties are grouped into Regions as shown on the map below.

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