I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 to 120, inclusive, together.
There is no legislation in my Department awaiting the making of a commencement order.
A statutory instrument entitled "The Air Raid Precautions Services (Compensation for Personal Injuries) (Fifth Amendment) Scheme, 1999" is currently being prepared in my Department. The purpose of the instrument is to increase the rates of compensation payable to civil defence members who suffer a qualifying injury while on civil defence activity in line with the movements in the relevant social welfare allowances.
Defence Force regulations are required to be made pursuant to many of the provisions of the Defence Act 1954. The regulations are constantly under review in my Department and where necessary are amended to take account of changing circumstances.
My Department has no proposed legislation awaiting formulation where the heads have been approved by Government. At present my Department is in the process of preparing a draft of the proposed heads of a proposed civil defence Bill which will be submitted for the approval of Government in due course.