asked the Minister for Defence if he will indicate the measures in contemplation for protecting the civilian population against direct hits by high-explosive bombs and incendiary bombs in the event of air raids.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Air Raid Protection.
In my speech in the Dáil last night I dealt to some extent with the matter raised in the Deputy's question. I shall deal with it fully when the Supplementary Estimate for my Department comes before the Dáil next week.
asked the Minister for Defence whether, having regard to the number of civil servants participating and the number of civilians expected to participate in courses of instructions relating to air raids, he will indicate the arrangements that have been made to provide compensation for persons accidentally injured during such instructions; and, further, whether he has considered the extent to which ordinary life and endowment assurance policies are affected where the insured persons participate in these courses; and, if so, whether he is in a position to make a statement concerning the matter.
The precautions which are continuously enforced and the supervision exercised by qualified instructors over all the activities relating to instruction in air raid precautions make the possibility of injury to students extremely remote. Civil servants taking part in the courses of instruction referred to are regarded as being on duty, and if accidentally injured while so engaged will be entitled to the benefits of the existing statutes that would apply to them if injured in the discharge of official duty or in the course of official employment. The question of compensation for others who may be injured during participation in the courses is at present engaging my attention. The question of insurance is also being examined.