asked the Minister for Justice the powers, if any, the Garda Síochána will have in relation to the new civil defence force; and the title of the force.
36.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Defence Force.
35.
asked the Minister for Justice when the recently announced civil defence force will become fully operative.
37.
asked the Minister for Justice when it is intended to form the recently announced civil defence force; the number of persons that will constitute this force; and if there will be a hierarchy of ranks within the force and, if so, the nature and the powers of each rank.
Mr. R. Burke
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 to 37 together.
I assume that the questions relate to the proposed new local security service announced by the Government. Details of the service are still being worked out but I would hope that it will be formed and become operational in about two months' time.
No title has yet been settled for the service, which will be organised on a voluntary basis in cities and towns. The numbers that will constitute the service must obviously depend on the response from the public. It is not envisaged that there will be a hierarchy of ranks within the service.
Units of the service will be based on local Garda stations and persons wishing to join will be asked to make application at these stations. The Garda Síochána will have responsibility for maintaining a register of volunteers and for arranging their duties on the basis of rostered patrolling.