Gareth O’Callaghan: Why Ireland needs to be ‘emergency ready’ in an increasingly unstable world

A new government booklet prompts a look back at Ireland’s Cold War fears and forward to threats from war, instability and artificial intelligence

US ambassador Adlai Stevenson, seated at right, describes aerial photographs of launching sites for intermediate range missiles in Cuba during an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council in October 1962, at the height of the Cuban missile crisis, during which the world came its closest ever to nuclear war. File photo: AP

Be Emergency Ready is the title of a new booklet that’s due for delivery to every Irish household in the coming days. 

My mother, a sprightly well-informed nonagenarian, or wise elder as I call her, with whom I’m staying while working in the Big Smoke this month, handed it to me last week. It bears the official harp insignia. It looks ominous. Information and advice in case of emergencies. I’m intrigued.