AQO 2040/22-27

Mr Andrew McMurray
Alliance Party
South Down

Tabled Date: 15/05/2025
Answered On Date: 25/06/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on any actions that have been taken to improve preparations for civil contingencies during the 2025-26 financial year.

Answer:

We have established and well-practiced civil contingencies structures in place here, and we are continuously striving to improve how we prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. Our Civil Contingencies Framework procedures were last used in January with Storm Éowyn, and we are taking action to implement lessons identified from that event. A review of the framework is planned for later this year. Within the 2025/26 financial year a number of steps will be taken in relation to our ongoing preparations for future events. These include the continuing roll out of the learning and development strategy, further development of the Risk Register and our involvement in a major pandemic preparedness and response exercise later this year.