asked the Minister for Defence if he will state (1) the numerical strength; (2) the facilities at their disposal for training, lectures, etc., of the various voluntary civil defence organisations in the State (a) during the emergency, (b) at present; further, if he will say who is the co-ordinating authority at present and what efforts are being made to bring these organisations up to the required standard of efficiency.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Defence Organisations.
Mr. Brady
The maximum strengths of the various A.R.P. services in the State during the period 1939 to 1945 were:—
|
Wardens |
6,449 |
|
Auxiliary fire service |
2,017 |
|
Rescue service |
1,171 |
|
Decontamination service |
613 |
|
Casualty service |
6,856 |
Instruction of these personnel was carried out by instructors who had been trained in this Department's Air Raid Precautions School for local authorities, essential undertakers, etc. The Minister for Defence is at present the authority for civil defence matters.
As regards the remainder of the question, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Deputy de Valera's questions on the 7th instant.