Vol. 554 No. 5
218 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Defence if, in line with the Government White Paper, Supporting Voluntary Activity, he has appointed a voluntary activity unit responsible for his Department's co-operation with voluntary and community organisations; if so, the unit's personnel, activities and work to date; if not, the reason therefor; and the personnel in his Department responsible for co-operation with voluntary and community organisations. [16732/02]
While there is no dedicated voluntary activity unit in my Department, voluntary effort throughout the country is supported by my Department through the work of the Civil Defence, the FCA, the many services of the Permanent Defence Force and the support provided to the Irish Red Cross Society and Coiste an Asgard. My Department will continue to provide support in these areas. Civil Defence volunteers assist community organisations and voluntary bodies on request and the Civil Defence officer in each local authority area is the person responsible for such coordination.
