asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defensive Measures why the gas masks for children under two years of age have not been issued in the City of Dublin, and why the wardens in the Borough of Dun Laoghaire have not been authorised to issue in the forthcoming distribution the children's gas masks which are at present stored and ready for use in that area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Children's Gas Masks.
The number of the special type of anti-gas helmets for children under two years is limited to the number required. As the children requiring this type of helmet get older they would be unable to wear a small respirator. The helmets would then have to be withdrawn, disinfected and reissued to newly-born children. As the helmets can, in any event, be issued quickly in time of emergency it is not considered necessary to issue them now. The question of their issue is, however, kept constantly under review and, if it is considered that the situation warrants it, they will be immediately issued.
I think that the answer of the Minister is absurd. If a crisis occurs——
Does the Deputy maintain that he is putting a supplementary question?
Yes. How does the Minister expect gas masks to be obtained for children who are being evacuated? The gas masks will be here; the children are going to be evacuated and the gas masks left with the mother.
It is not proposed to give children who are evacuated gas masks.
They will be given only to children who remain here?
Only to children remaining in populous centres.