Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2021
328. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence if there has been a change in policy regarding the Civil Defence being deployed to transport vulnerable persons to health appointments in situations in which the next of kin are front-line health workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56965/21]
View answerThe Department of Defence is responsible for the development of Civil Defence at national level. In this context my Department provides policy direction, centralised training through the Civil Defence College, administrative support, guidance and centralised procurement of certain items of uniform and equipment in support of local authority Civil Defence efforts.
The local authorities have operational responsibility for Civil Defence. There is a Civil Defence Unit in each local authority area. Civil Defence services are delivered through the Civil Defence Officer (CDO) of the relevant Local Authority for that area and the CDO is a full time employee of the local authority.
The decision of a Civil Defence Unit to provide or to discontinue a particular service is ultimately a matter for each local authority. The Minister for Defence has no role in the day to day management of local Civil Defence Units.
Notwithstanding the above, I understand that, given the current heightened public health concerns, the Department of Housing have recently requested the Local Authorities ensure that Community Callhelpline numbers are open so that, if there are people in need of support, they can access help locally.
