Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 5

Written Answers. - White Paper on Defence.

Noel Ahern

Question:

180 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Defence the plans he has for the transfer of the Civil Defence headquarters out of Dublin; the timescale in this regard; if he will give details of the offices being moved; if the activities and staffing of the training school will remain; and if he will assure the Dublin volunteers that the facilities of Ratra House, which was always used after hours for training purposes, will remain. [21670/00]

Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Mr. S. Brennan):

In the context of the White Paper on Defence the Government decided on 29 February 2000 to decentralise the total Civil Defence branch to Roscrea, County Tipperary. The Office of Public Works is at present in discussions with Roscrea community tourism and leisure centre about the possibility of using part of its complex for the Civil Defence offices and school.

The future use of Ratra House will be decided when Civil Defence has been relocated.