Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 May 2019
36. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will address reports of licensing issues regarding the participation of the Civil Defence in festivals and public events (details supplied); the nature of the issue; the role of the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council in this matter; the measures underway to resolve the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21215/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2015, the Government published the White Paper on Defence which includes a chapter on Civil Defence. Civil Defence is a volunteer based organisation of approximately 3,500 volunteers who give generously of their time and expertise for their community and in support of the Principal Response Agencies.
The 2015 White Paper outlines that the Civil Defence Branch of my Department is responsible for the strategic management and development of Civil Defence at a national level. It provides grant aid, policy advice and training to support local Civil Defence units. The White Paper recognises the important role of Local Government in the management of Civil Defence. The Civil Defence Officer who is an employee of the Local Authority is responsible for the day-to-day management of Civil Defence in their Local Authority area.
The Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) is the regulator for emergency medical services in Ireland and their role is to protect the public. The Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council require organisations who wish to be operational, to apply to them, for an annual licence to operate.
When Civil Defence’s current operating licence was up for renewal in November 2018, my officials reviewed the current statutory declaration. That review identified that some assurances and details required as part of the licensing process are not within the control or remit of the Department of Defence as responsibility for operations rests with local authorities.
The Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council extended Civil Defence’s current licence to 30 July 2019 to address issues identified as a result of the review.
I fully appreciate the excellent services provided by Civil Defence volunteers. In that context, my officials have been working to resolve the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council licensing issue. My officials have been and continue to engage with Local Authority management through the Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Planning subcommittee of the City and County Managers Association and with senior management of the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council.
I have asked my officials to continue to engage constructively to ensure there is no diminution in the level of care and first aid cover that Civil Defence volunteers provide beyond 30 July 2019.
