Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:40 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the current number of members in the Civil Defence; their range of activities; the current recruitment level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15159/97]
Written Answers. - FCA Strength.
The current number of members in Civil Defence is approximately 10,000.
The range of activities undertaken by the organisation is based on the objectives as set out in the "Towards 2000" programme which is focused on community help and support. The activities covered by the programme include stewarding, crowd control, provision of first aid, transport of elderly and infirm, search and recovery, provision of welfare and assistance to the primary emergency services.
Recruitment into the organisation is the responsibility of each local authority and between 600 to 1,000 replacement volunteer members are recruited each year.