Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Ms Nolan and thank her for her presentation. I also welcome her colleagues from the Department of Defence and Mr. Twomey, Mr. Conroy and Mr. Keeley, representing the front line of the Civil Defence. Like other colleagues, I commend them on the excellent work to carry out on a voluntary basis on behalf of all us.

Some of the areas of interest to me have been covered. I have a few remarks and perhaps a question or two. The appointment of assistant Civil Defence officers is welcome because it gives full-time officers the opportunity to take some time off. I am aware they cannot even go on holidays without bringing their phones with them, something I know the witnesses are also aware of.

Deputy Stanton asked for examples of best practice throughout the world. Is there a similar organisation in the North? If so, is there any co-operation between the Civil Defence and that organisation? By extension, are there similar organisations in other European countries? What contact does the Civil Defence have with them? Is there a European body to which it is affiliated or a member of?

I ask Ms Nolan to elaborate on the EMS system. Regarding premises, it was mentioned that a number of counties have built purpose-built Civil Defence training centres. In my county, Cavan, a premises is being refurbished but €1 million had to be borrowed to do that. The €150,000 the Department allocated to the project is not enough. Since its inception, in respect of the funding of the Civil Defence organisation, the idea was that 70% would come from the Department and 30% from local authorities. My understanding is that the split is currently more like 50:50, or could even be 60:40. Local authorities have to cough up money in that regard. I would like to hear the comments of the witnesses on that.

What is the total budget for the Civil Defence? Has any consideration being given to increasing the budget for the purchase of equipment, given the inflationary nature of some of the equipment that has to be purchased? Every other area has been covered.