asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the Taoiseach's statement that this country will accept defence commitments as part of Common Market policy, and as the country is not sufficiently protected against air-raid attack, he will follow the practice of other countries by encouraging commercial interests as well as local authority, State and semiState bodies to build underground shelters, when constructing new buildings, which could be used as car parks, etc. in peace-time; and if he will make more grants available or approve of a system of rates depreciation to encourage such building.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Air-Raid Shelters.
32.
As a normal part of overall Civil Defence planning the question of making some provision, in buildings of the types mentioned by the Deputy, against the effects of nuclear weapons, particularly radioactive fall-out, is being considered. While definite conclusions have not yet been reached, it can be taken that the provision of deep blast-proof shelters is not contemplated.
In view of the fact that there is a Planning Bill coming before the House, does the Minister not think he should avail of the opportunity to confer with the Minister for Local Government with a view to doing the things I suggest, that is, that the Minister for Local Government should offer a rates depreciation to civilians to build underground shelters which could be used for other purposes in peace-time but as protection in the case of war? Surely it would be up to the Minister to consult with the Minister for Local Government on this matter? It is a serious matter. As I said, we are now in some way committed to defence measures.
Is this a question?
It is part of my question.
The Deputy is making a statement.
It has been said that we will not object to defence commitments. That means we are now in danger, not of accidental fallout, but of attack.
This is Question Time.
I know, but I could not get a satisfactory answer. I am told now that there is no question of underground shelters being contemplated.
The Deputy is making a statement, not asking a question.
This is a serious matter. Arrangements for protection are being made on the Continent. We are making none. I do not see what the purpose of civil defence is, if we are not going to be protected. They will come along when you have been hit. What use will that be?
33.
asked the Minister for Defence the number of official underground and overground air-raid shelters in Dublin during the Emergency, their capacity, and the cost of their construction and removal.
There were 782 air-raid shelters officially provided for the public in Dublin during the 1939-45 Emergency with a total capacity of 64,000 persons. The cost of construction of the shelters was £214,000 and the cost of removal or dismantling of these shelters was £70,850.
34.
asked the Minister for Defence the number of underground air-raid shelters in Dublin at present.
There are no official underground shelters in Dublin at present.
Are there any unofficial?
There may be—I am not sure.
Is the Minister aware that every other country has a subway system, which will provide some protection? Seeing that we have no subway system, we have no protection at all.
We can use the railway tunnels when they take up the lines.