Civil Defence

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 January 2018

Tuesday, 16 January 2018

Questions (117)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

117. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the guidelines in place to ensure that Civil Defence vehicles are maintained; and the person or body responsible for ensuring said maintenance is carried out. [54988/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Civil Defence vehicles are based within the local authorities throughout the country.  These vehicles are operated under the control of the Civil Defence Officer who is an employee of the local authority. The Civil Defence Branch of the Department of Defence periodically gives guidance to Civil Defence Officers on best practice in this area.

Under the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) regulations local authorities are legally required to have a vehicle management system in place.  In addition, vehicles are subject to mandatory testing such as CVRT and NCT tests depending on the type of vehicle.

In addition to the above, a small number of vehicles are operated by the Civil Defence Branch of the Department of Defence. The Civil Defence Branch Technical Officer oversees the maintenance of these vehicles to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.