asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the extent and nature of the civil defence organisation built up in County Limerick and if he has satisfied himself that the civil population of Limerick and other counties have been suitably provided for, both with instruction and equipment, to minimise to the greatest extent possible the trials and sufferings that must follow a global conflict.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Limerick Civil Defence Organisation.
The civil defence officer appointed by the Limerick County Council has, in common with other civil defence officers, been given directions by my Department on civil defence planning and on the compilation of survey reports on which thelocal civil defence organisation will be based. These reports are due in my Department on the 31st March, 1953. To date 96 nominees of the local authorities, including two from County Limerick, have qualified as instructors at the Civil Defence School in Dublin. Courses for civil defence instructors will be continued until I am satisfied that adequate provision has been made for the instruction of the civil population throughout the State. A formal civil defence organisation has not yet been built up in the County of Limerick or in any other county.
My Department is at present examining the whole question of civil defence equipment. Apart from the equipment remaining with local authorities and held in central stores since the last emergency, no new issues of equipment have been made.