(Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Defence the discussions, if any, he has had to date with members of the Civil Defence in relation to its reorganisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22950/98]
Written Answers. - Civil Defence Reorganisation.
The Department completed its most recent review of Civil Defence in consultation with each local authority in 1992 This process involved consultation at root and branch level in the organisation and resulted in the launch of the Towards 2000 Programme for Civil Defence. This programme includes: stewarding; providing an enhanced search and rescue capability; river, lake and coastal area search and recovery; major and radiological emergencies and environmental problems; flooding, blizzards and forest fire-fighting problems and evacuee reception.
The current strategic objectives agreed for the Department of Defence provide for a second phase development process for the 32 local authority civil defence elements for the period up to 2000 and beyond. In line with these agreed objectives local authority managers have been requested to submit their development plans in line with their local requirements. This process is already under way and in preparation for this development I met with all the Civil Defence officers and assistant Civil Defence officers on 11 June 1998 to discuss future planning for the organisation. The Civil Defence officers were encouraged to discuss their plans and proposals with volunteers so that there would be a high level of involvement.
In the context of the White Paper on Defence, submissions were invited on Civil Defence also and I am aware that proposals have been received in this regard. I welcome these developments. I also propose to update the legislative basis for Civil Defence to enable it to more fully fulfil its defined roles and I would hope to have this process completed by mid-1999.