Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018
17. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of counties in which the Civil Defence was not deployed or partially deployed during Storm Emma due to lack of training or health and safety concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12715/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Defence is charged with the management and development of Civil Defence at national level. The Department provides policy direction, centralised training through the Civil Defence College, administrative support and guidance and centralised procurement of major items of uniform and equipment in support of local authority Civil Defence efforts.
Civil Defence services are delivered through the Civil Defence Officer (CDO) of the relevant Local Authority for that area. The CDO is a full time employee of the local authority and is responsible for the day-to-day management of Civil Defence matters under the overall direction of the relevant Chief Executive.
It is the responsibility of each local authority to decide when to deploy their Civil Defence Unit. During the recent heavy snowfall associated with Storm Emma 28 of the 29 Civil Defence Units around the country were deployed. A total of 350 Civil Defence members took part in these operations.
I would like to commend the Civil Defence Officers and volunteers for the great work they did over this period in support of the Principal Response Agencies including the Local Authorities, the National Ambulance Service and the Gardaí.
