asked the Minister for Defence the improvements he has made in the Civil Defence system; if he considers the present arrangements adequate; if he will outline the resources and manpower at present available to this service; the extent of their terms of reference; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Civil Defence.
18.
Limerick West): The programme for the establishment of protected control centres in each county and region is continuing.
Fire appliances, personnel and equipment vehicles, uniforms, welfare trailers and first aid kits have been or are being purchased this year. A further supply of radiation measuring instruments capable of giving readings down to background level is also being acquired. Communications have been considerably improved by the installation of facsimile machines in control centres, and hand-portable radio telephones and mobile units for local training and operations have been obtained.
For the information of the younger generation an information package for inclusion in the civics curriculum for postprimary schools has been launched for issue to the schools in the coming weeks.
Total expenditure on Civil Defence in 1987 is expected to amount to £2,308,000 that is £1,750,000 from the Vote for Defence and £558,000 expenditure by local authorities.
Latest returns from local authorities indicate that the total strength of volunteers throughout the country is over 40,400, of whom about 21,500 are active members.
Civil Defence is organised in five distinct services. They are; The warden service which is a significant element in the warning and monitoring network details of which are given in reply to another question today; The welfare service which would provide shelter and sustenance in the event of the displacement of persons; and the casualty service, rescue service and auxiliary fire service which would assist the front line emergency services as necessary.
I am satisfied that the Civil Defence organisation through all its services would help to mitigate substantially the effects of war on the civilian population should such a disaster occur. Moreover, Deputies will be aware of the considerable assistance afforded by Civil Defence to the public in various ways in peacetime, whether on the occasion of flooding, accident or other emergency. This peace time role has recently been extended by the involvement of Civil Defence in the emergency plan being prepared to deal with a nuclear accident abroad, and new monitoring equipment has been acquired for this purpose. Deputies will, I am sure, join with me in acknowledging our indebtedness to the fine body of public spirited volunteers who make up the Civil Defence organisation.