asked the Minister for Defence the present strength of the Civil Defence force; and if he considers the force adequately trained and equipped to fulfil its function.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Defence Force.
1.
According to the latest returns, as at 31st March, 1975, furnished to my Department there are 27,000 members on the Civil Defence rolls of local authorities. Of these 21,000 have been fully trained. Training is a continuing process.
The essential function of Civil Defence is to mitigate as far as possible the effects of warlike weapons including nuclear devices.
Members of Civil Defence and their equipment may be used in connection with peacetime disasters at the discreation of the individual local authorities concerned provided the tasks involved are within
(a) the compass of regular Civil Defence techniques,
(b) the competence of the members concerned, and
(c) the authorised working limits of the standard Civil Defence equipment available.
I am satisfied that the trained members have the capacity to fulfil their Civil Defence function and to furnish assistance otherwise within the limits I have indicated.
The purchase of equipment is also a continuing process within the limits of the finance available for the purpose.