Dissemination of information in emergency situations

The Prime Minister’s Office has a central role in the planning, management and other information functions in preparation for possible states of emergency.

In emergency situations, the public need for information naturally increases, and managing the situation may require cooperation between several administrative sectors. At such times the Government Communications Unit assists the relevant authorities in meeting the need for information. The main responsibility for dissemination of information lies, however, with the authority in charge of the situation. If the situation so requires, the Prime Minister may authorize the Government Communications Unit to deal with information activities jointly with expert authorities.

In a state of an emergency requiring the invoking of crisis legislation, it is required that the management of public information, and when necessary, also the dissemination of information itself, is assumed by the Government Information Centre under the leadership of the Prime Minister.