asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defensive Measures whether it is his intention to disband the A.R.P. and other voluntary Defence Services; and, if so, if he will state at what date approximately these services will be discontinued; and whether, as a recognition of the generous response given by all sections of the citizens to the appeal for enrolment and the valuable services given by these emergency forces, he will arrange a suitable ceremonial on the occasion of their formal disbandment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - A.R.P. and Voluntary Defence Services.
It is not proposed to disband the A.R.P. Service. The Government feels that it should be maintained permanently as part of our national defences and that we should have at least a trained nucleus in every area.
While, however, it is not proposed to disband the A.R.P. Service, it is recognised that not all of the present members will want to continue. A large number of them have given five years' service, some of them more, and whether they propose to remain members or not, the best thanks of the Nation is due to them for the service they have rendered, and I hope to have an early opportunity of conveying to them personally my own gratitude for the splendid work they have done in helping to bring the State safely and victoriously through the crisis of the last five and a half years.