asked the Minister for Defence, with reference to his replies to a question and supplementary questions on the 1st March, 1951 (Official Report, Volume 124, columns 924-5), if he will now state the total number of (a) instructors, and (b) persons, ascertained and known to be trained and now available for civil defence and A.R.P. duties in case of emergency, in each of the cities of (i) Dublin, (ii) Cork, (iii) Limerick, (iv) Galway, and (v) Waterford.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Defence and A.R.P. Personnel.
Major de Valera
Information further to that given to the Deputy in reply to his question of 1st March is not available. As indicated in that reply, city and county managers were informed that the position as to the availability of trained personnel should be examined. This examination is to be carried out by civil defence officers who are now being appointed by local authorities and who will take up duty after the completion of a course at the Department of Defence Civil Defence School. Approval of the conditions of appointment of civil defence officers has recently been conveyed to the managers in the case of four out of five cities mentioned in the Deputy's question, Cork City being the one in respect of which conditions have not yet been settled.
Major de Valera
Is the Minister aware that this question was first asked in December last and was repeated on 1st March, to which reference is made in the question, and that on that occasion the Minister was unable to give the information sought? Is the Minister further aware that I was informed on that occasion that county managers were instructed at the end of December or the beginning of January to get that information, and that now, almost four months later, we are still as far away from knowing where we are in regard to that important matter as ever?
I still have not got it.
Major de Valera
When will the Minister have it?
As soon as possible.