asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defensive Measures (1) what progress has been made with the preparation of the scheme for evacuation (if necessary) of women and children from cities and other dangerous areas in Éire; (2) what are his proposals for the evacuation of inmates and staffs of orphanages, homes for the old and infirm, and similar institutions; and (3) if, in view of the uncertainty in the minds of the citizens as to the method of operation of the proposed scheme, he will take an early opportunity to explain the scheme in detail and, in particular, who will and who will not be allowed to evacuate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Evacuation from Dangerous Areas.
As regards the first part of the Deputy's question, the only evacuation scheme initiated so far is that in respect of Dublin City and Dun Laoghaire Borough, which is limited to the following classes of persons:—
(a) Children of school age (6-14 years) unaccompanied; (b) Children under school age. (These will have to be accompanied by their mothers or other female relatives acting as guardians); (c) Expectant mothers. As soon as that scheme has been satisfactorily advanced, steps will be taken to consider the initiation of schemes for other cities and areas.
The analysis by classes of the total of 158,460 persons who have registered under the scheme for evacuation with State assistance has now been completed. A corresponding analysis of the accommodation offered in the reception area will be completed within the next few days. The task of allotting groups from particular districts in the evacuation area to particular districts in the reception area will then be undertaken. Preliminary consultations with representatives of the various transport companies have already taken place, and agreement in principle reached as to the basis of the necessary transport arrangements. Detailed transport plans must, of course, await the allocation of the particular groups to which I have referred.
As regards the second part of the question, arrangements for the transport of such of the inmates of institutions as come within the classes of persons I have referred to in the first part of my reply will be made in consultation with the authorities of such institutions. It will, of course, be appreciated that special difficulties arise in connection with the evacuation of inmates of institutions generally. These difficulties are, however, at present being examined.
As regards the third part of the question, I propose, as soon as a full examination of the analysis to which I referred in the first part of my reply has been completed, to issue an explanatory statement setting out the evacuation plans in detail.
Mr. Byrne
Arising out of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply, is he aware that no arrangements have been made for the evacuation of very old people?