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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 19 Jun 1980

Vol. 322 No. 7

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nuclear Attack Refuge Rooms.

15.

Mr. T.J. Fitzpatrick

(Cavan-Monaghan) and Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence if financial assistance is available to householders for the construction of refuge rooms in the event of nuclear attack; if any research is being, or has been, carried out in Ireland on the construction of such rooms; and if he has satisfied himself with the present state of arrangements of the Irish population in this matter.

My Department's policy for the protection of the public in the event of nuclear attack is based on the idea of domestic refuge rooms which would give protection against radioactive fallout, the most likely hazard for the country in a nuclear war. Refuge rooms would be prepared by householders themselves to cater for that hazard.

Financial assistance is not provided for the construction of such refuge rooms. Continuing research into the feasibility and effectiveness of refuge rooms is being carried out by my Department and, to date, no factors have emerged to warrant a departure from the advice on this aspect as set out in the Department's booklet, Bás Beatha, which is available free of charge to householders.

The policy of my Department is to maximise the state of preparedness of the civilian population against all hazards of nuclear war, and, to this end, it is concentrating its efforts on providing information and guidance to the public on protection against fallout radiation. I am not satisfied with the present state of public awareness in this regard and am having my Department examine means to improve the situation.

Is the Minister in favour of refuge rooms?

Is the Minister aware that since his Government did away with reconstruction grants there is no means whereby anyone who wishes to construct a refuge room can receive assistance from any public source? Would he not agree that this is a matter in which the Government should be interested and should offer some financial inducement to encourage people to take this necessary precaution?

The booklet gives ideas on how to construct refuge rooms very cheaply. There are two firms which manufacture shelters.

What is the approximate cost of providing a refuge room in the average suburban house?

I do not think that question could be answered. It depends whether one is living in a country which would be likely to be the subject of saturation bombing. We hope and pray we will not be, although we could have fallout from Britain. This would not be as bad as saturation bombing.

Is the Minister aware that the Swiss Government have taken steps which have resulted in such rooms being provided in practically every house? Would he agree that another neutral country like Switzerland—namely Ireland—should have adopted similar policies?

And they give a 50 per cent grant.

We know neighbouring countries who do not even have a civil defence organisation, but we have.

Questions Nos. 16, 17 and 18 for written reply.

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