asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider making available more comfortable and less shabby uniforms to the members of the Civil Defence Force who give so much voluntarily to the benefit of the State.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Defence Force Uniforms.
79.
I am fully conscious of the great service voluntarily rendered to the community by Civil Defence volunteers. I am not aware of any widespread dissatisfaction with the present uniform in the organisation as a whole. A number of individual suggestions for the improvement of the present type of uniform have been made from time to time. I will have these suggestions examined to see how they might be implemented having regard, however, to the overall cost.
I am glad the Minister is having this investigated. Will it be put into effect before next summer?
The individual suggestions are being examined at the moment.
The uniforms are uncomfortable and very shabby. Action will have to be taken in this connection without delay—next summer at the latest.
I could not give any guarantee. We are conscious of the necessity to examine this matter.
Will the Minister do his best to ensure that they will be improved as early as possible.
I will, certainly.