John Brady
Ceist:600. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the planned budget for the Irish Civil Defence for 2021. [20162/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 30 July 2020
Ceisteanna (600)
Freagraí scríofa
Civil Defence operates on a partnership basis between the Department of Defence and the Local Authorities.
The Department of Defence is responsible for the strategic management and development of Civil Defence at national level. The Department provides policy direction, centralised training, 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 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 their Chief Executive
Civil Defence is funded by a combination of grants from the Department of Defence as well as funding from Local Authorities. The annual operational grant provided by the Department covers up to 70% of the running costs of the Civil Defence Unit with the Local Authorities providing a minimum of 30%. In practice, many Local Authorities provide well in excess of the required 30%.
It is not possible at this time to state what the budget for Civil Defence will be in 2021 as estimates discussions are ongoing. I can confirm that the Department's budget for this year is €5.24m, which includes Dormant Account funding of €1m.