Jack Chambers
Question:41. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the policy for equipment disposal within the Civil Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40213/19]
View answerThursday, 3 October 2019
Questions (41)
Written answers
Civil Defence policy is set by me as Minister with Responsibility for Defence through the Civil Defence Branch of my Department. Civil Defence services are administered by Civil Defence Officers who are Local Authority employees.
One of the roles of my Department is to provide up to a maximum of 70% grant aid towards the cost of providing Civil Defence services in each Local Authority. The funding contributes towards the cost of employing a Civil Defence Officer as well as procuring Civil Defence equipment such as vehicles, boats and first aid equipment. My Department also centrally procures equipment including Vehicles, Drones, Uniforms and Personal Protective Equipment.
Local Authorities have responsibility for the day to day operation of Civil Defence within their respective areas. In that context, most Civil Defence assets, for example Vehicles, boats, and drones are held in individual Local Authorities.
The policy in relation to equipment disposal is as follows;
In the case of Civil Defence vehicles no longer required, they are disposed of either through
(a) a local authority or Department of Defence arranged disposal auction, or
(b) by way of part exchange through a registered Motor Dealer.
Where the vehicle is no longer roadworthy, it must be scrapped through an authorized scrappage treatment facility.
In the case of boats, local authorities notify my Department if a boat is considered to be beyond further use. My Department then makes appropriate arrangements for de-commissioning and appropriate disposal of the boat and any ancillary equipment.
The situation in relation to uniforms and personal protective equipment is currently being considered by my officials.