Noel Dempsey
Question:25 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Defence the number and type of courses held in the civil defence school in each of the years from 1993 to 1996. [4280/97]
Written Answers. - Civil Defence Development.
Noel Dempsey
Question:27 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Defence the progress made since 1994 in the Towards 2000 Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4279/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 25 together.
I thank the Deputy for giving me the opportunity to report that steady progress has been, and is being made in putting the necessary organisation, training and equipment in place to develop Civil Defence along the lines foreshadowed in the Towards 2000 development. The purpose of the development strategy is to put structures in place and develop the necessary skills to face the challenges of the new millennium with confidence and determination.
Since the start of this innovative development, my Department has spent nearly £1.25 million purchasing 80 high specification vehicles, including ambulances, transport vehicles and pick-ups to ensure the capability and mobility of the organisation both on and off road. In addition, 31 boats and more than 100 kayaks have been purchased and have been used extensively in water search operations. Operational and protective equipment has also been acquired and is now being used by Civil Defence groups to serve their communities.
The impressive range of activities undertaken includes saving and preserving lives, stewarding at local events and even, I am told, returning a dolphin in difficulties to the sea off the Waterford coast.
The Civil Defence School conducts a comprehensive programme of training support for Civil Defence in each local authority. The training courses cover the full range of emergency operations and organisational support. The number of courses conducted in recent years is as follows: 1993, 35; 1994, 45; 1995, 52 and 1996, 55.
These courses are conducted at the Civil Defence school in the Phoenix Park in Dublin or at regional venues making them more accessible to the voluntary members of Civil Defence who balance their commitment to the organisation with the demands of work and home.
I want to again place on record my appreciation of, and admiration for, the tremendous vol- untary work done by the volunteer members of Civil Defence at local level. They are a credit to themselves and their communities.