Civil Defence Act, 2002

Chapter 3

Plan of Board

Strategic plan of Board.

30.—(1) The Board shall, in accordance with subsection (2), prepare and submit a strategic plan to the Minister for approval, in the case of the first strategic plan, not later than 9 months after the first meeting of the Board, and in the case of each subsequent plan, not later than the third anniversary of the date of submission of the preceding plan.

(2) The strategic plan shall—

(a) specify the key objectives and related strategies (including the use of resources) of the Board relating to the future development of civil defence,

(b) be prepared in the form and manner that the Minister may from time to time direct,

(c) have regard to the need to ensure the most beneficial, effective and efficient use of the Board's resources,

(d) except for the first strategic plan, include a review of the efficiency and effectiveness of the plan during the preceding 3 year period, and

(e) include any other matters that the Minister may from time to time specify when issuing directions or guidelines under subsection (4).

(3) When preparing the strategic plan, the Board shall—

(a) except for the first strategic plan, have regard to the civil defence plans submitted by local authorities under section 31 , and

(b) consult with local authorities, Ministers of the Government, State agencies and any other persons that it considers appropriate.

(4) The Minister may issue directions or guidelines to the Board concerning the preparation of the strategic plan and the Board shall comply with those directions and prepare the plan in accordance with those guidelines.

(5) As soon as practicable after a strategic plan has been approved, the Minister shall cause a copy of the plan to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas and the plan shall be published in the form and manner that the Board considers appropriate.