Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 July 2022
111. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Defence when a report will be published into his plans to recognise the efforts of volunteers and officers of the Civil Defence and their contributions during the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36449/22]
View answerCivil Defence is a statutory volunteer-based organisation with a nationwide footprint. Volunteering within Civil Defence demonstrates the very best of Irish society and the Government is conscious of and grateful for the work that Civil Defence volunteers undertake on a weekly basis.
The Government acknowledges the exceptional service given by Civil Defence volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Civil Defence have been, and continues to be, a core part of the emergency response structures within each Local Authority for the past 70 years. Civil Defence volunteers have contributed so much to their communities since the beginning of the pandemic.
Officials in my Department have been engaging with Civil Defence Officers to consider a suitable way to honour Civil Defence members and recognise their efforts in the response to COVID-19 since March, 2020. Significant work has been undertaken in relation to this and I expect to be able to share further details in the coming months.
