asked the Minister for Defence whether he is now in a position to state specifically what steps, if any, have been taken to provide, in the event of an emergency, for civil defence in the City of Dublin; and, if so, to give particulars of the action taken.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Provisions for Civil Defence.
Major de Valera
An over-all plan for civil defence arrangements in this country has been drawn up following recommendations from officers of my Department who attended civil defence courses in England last January and February. Certain aspects of these arrangements will have to be considered by other Departments, after which I hope to get the approval of the Government for the plan at an early date. The civil defence scheme for the City of Dublin will depend upon the over-all plan for the country. Its preparation will be undertaken, under direction from my Department, by the civil defence officer who, I expect, will shortly be appointed by the Dublin City Manager and who, along with other civil defence officers, will be called for a course of training in the civil defence school, which is being established by my Department.
Major de Valera
Is it not a fact that, as yet, no specific steps have been taken in this matter in regard to Dublin?
I would not say that exactly. It has not gone as far as I would like it to go.