asked the Minister for Defence the total number of deep H-bomb type shelters being provided in (a) Dublin (b) Galway (c) Limerick (d) Cork and (e) the rest of the country; and what is the total cost of such shelters.
43.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bomb Shelters: Number and Cost.
42.
asked the Minister for Defence the total number of persons for whom deep H-bomb shelter protection has been or is to be provided.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions 42 and 43 together.
No deep shelters of the type referred to by the Deputy have or are being provided. While a final decision has not yet been reached on the general question of the means of protection from blast, it is most unlikely that deep type shelters of the type referred to will be provided.
Is the Minister aware that Mr. Khrushchev has said that 24 hours after World War III commences Great Britain will cease to exist? Would the Minister not agree that, either through inaccuracy, misdirection of missiles or due to deliberate act on the part of the Soviet Union, since there are British and American military bases on our national territory we may become directly involved in World War III?
The Deputy is making an argument, not asking questions.
Is it not a fact that to provide merely for——
I have indicated to the Deputy that he is making an argument and not asking a question. The Deputy will please resume his seat. The Deputy is not asking a question.
Is it not futile——
The Deputy is not asking a question. He will please sit down.
I asked the Minister a question.
The Deputy did not ask a question.
Would the Chair like me to repeat my question? Is it not a futile gesture to ask simply for Civil Defence workers and not to provide deep shelters which will be needed in case we are involved in a direct attack?
Question No. 44.
Further arising out of the Minister's reply——
The Deputy will please resume his seat.
May I not ask a supplementary question?
The Deputy does not ask supplementary questions but makes arguments.
I asked a question which was not replied to. Is it not a futile gesture on the part of the Minister to ask simply for Civil Defence workers in the circumstances?