asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defensive Measures whether head casualty clearing stations for A.R.P. are equipped with apparatus for boiling water; if St. Patrick's Clinic, Dun Laoghaire, and other important centres as A.R.P. positions are provided with electric kettles for boiling water; and if any alternative heating is provided in case of the failure of the electric current.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - A.R.P. Casualty Clearing Stations.
Mr. Dockrell
In the A.R.P. organisation all general hospitals are utilised as casualty clearing stations. In addition to the normal facilities which exist in these hospitals, boilers for water heating and reserve supplies of fuel have been made available for use in the event of the failure of electricity supplies.
First-aid posts are established in schools and similar buildings which have been specially adapted. Full instructions as to the equipment which should be available in the posts have been issued to the local authorities by the Department of Defence. The equipment does not include electric kettles but does provide for kettles and oil-stoves for boiling water. The normal heating arrangements in the majority of the posts are such that water can be boiled in open fireplaces.
In regard to the post at St. Patrick's Clinic, Dun Laoghaire, I am informed that electric rings have been provided for water boiling. In addition, facilities are available for water boiling on solid fuel grates in neighbouring premises in the event of the failure of the electricity supply.