asked the Minister for Defence if he will state what emergency supplies (over and above normal peace-time stocks and requirements) of (a) medical and surgical requisites and equipment; (b) civil defence protective clothing and equipment; (c) fire-fighting and rescue equipment, and (d) gas and radioactive contamination detection equipment, have been purchased and delivered in each of the years 1948, 1949, 1950, giving particulars in each case.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Defence.
Major de Valera
I indicated in reply to a similar question from the Deputy on the 14th December, 1950, that I was awaiting information as to the latest types of civil defence equipment which have been officially adopted in England and which could be made available for use in connection with our schemes in so far as they might be suitable therefor.
I have made provision for the purchase of a certain amount of specialised equipment for civil defence purposes in the coming financial year in so far as it may be available.
Major de Valera
I should like to refer the Minister to the question I asked. Can the Minister not tell me what stores in these categories were purchased in these particular years or is the inference to be drawn from the Minister's answer, that no such stores were purchased or secured?
I expect the Deputy reads the Dáil Debates and is capable of reading the published journal. He will find the answer to his question in each year's accounts. There were ample stores on hands. With regard to modern scientific stores, as I stated a couple of months ago, the British had not made up their minds as to the design and type suitable for the present situation, which they could make available to us. When they have made up their minds as to the design and type, we have orders placed for the appliances. It would be foolish to buy antiques.
Major de Valera
Is the answer that none have been got in these years?
Let the Deputy read it.
Major de Valera
The Minister should read the question.
The Minister answers sensible questions by sensible Deputies.
The trouble is he does not answer them.
Major de Valera
asked the Minister for Defence if he will state whether any plans or provisions have been made for the protection of Dublin's water supply in the event of a future war emergency and whether he has had any consultations with the city manager with a view to providing for this matter.
The position with regard to the preparation of civil defence plans in this and other respects was indicated by me in the reply which I gave to the Deputy on the 14th December, 1950. City and county managers were convened to a meeting in my office on the 20th December and were informed generally by the Parliamentary Secretary of the steps they would have to take for the preparation of plans in their respective areas.
Major de Valera
Was the question of the Dublin water supply specifically considered?
The steps with regard to the Dublin water supply if any emergency arises are similar to those taken in the last emergency. All the material and appliances purchased have been transferred to the corporation.
Was any indication given to these county managers as to whether or not the State would subsidise the cost of the air raid precautions necessary?
That is an entirely separate question. If the Deputy puts down such a question he will get the answer in full.
May I take it that that particular part of the problem was not discussed?
The Deputy is not entitled to base a supplementary on an assumption of his and put that into my mouth.