Gerry Reynolds
Ceist:92 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Defence the numbers available to Civil Defence; the preparedness to respond to an emergency in this regard; and the emergency response in place within the Defence Forces. [9027/98]
Written Answers - Civil Defence Strength.
The current number of members in Civil Defence is approximately 10,000.
The activities undertaken by Civil Defence are based on the objectives set out in the "Towards 2000" programme which is focused on community help and support. In this regard, Civil Defence has evolved over the years into a skilled community support organisation which provides essential assistance to a wide range of primary emergency services, which include An Garda Síochána, fire, ambulance and search and rescue services as well as the Defence Forces. In this regard, I propose to update existing legislation to enable Civil Defence to more fully fulfill its defined roles.
Essential activities undertaken by Civil Defence include response to natural and environmental emergencies such as flooding and blizzards; search and rescue; river, lake and coastal area search and recovery; forest fire fighting; responding to radiological emergencies; stewarding at local and national events; responding in the event of requests for overseas assistance.
The Towards 2000 programme contains provisions for the involvement of the organisation in major emergencies and a considerable part of training is geared towards this role. The major emergency plan is the combined co-ordinated plans of the local authority, health board and gardai in the area where the emergency occurs. There is provision in the major emergency plan for requesting assistance from the Defence Forces both at local and national level.
I would like to take the opportunity to place on record my personal appreciation and respect, and that of the Government, for the level of commitment and expertise which the members of Civil Defence, who act in a voluntary capacity, provide to the community in times of essential need.