Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Senator. Before I go back to Ms Nolan for a number of questions, I will add my voice to what members said in respect of the great work, much of which is carried out under the radar, undertaken on a daily basis by Civil Defence volunteers up and down the country. I acknowledge in particular the work that was done in respect of Covid-19 and certain works that are being undertaken now with regard to refugees. All of that is against the background of the ongoing work that is done on a daily basis.

I will add a few questions to those the members asked, if Ms Nolan does not mind. Looking at the plan towards 2030, I acknowledge that the implementation group was set up in 2021. We are rapidly moving through the decade. To what extent has Covid-19 upset or restricted the implementation plan? If it has, are there plans to accelerate implementation? If not, will the implementation targets set in the plan be realised? It is important that they are.

From anecdotal evidence, it seems that certain counties are regarded as strong counties while others are regarded as not having the same tradition and are therefore not regarded as strong counties. Is there a levelling up or mentoring programme in place? Is there ongoing encouragement on the part of the Department or directorate to bring everybody along?

Has each local authority plan been updated? Is that being strictly monitored to ensure everybody has a plan and is adhering to it? As was said earlier, that is against the background of having an overall Civil Defence operations command, which is a reasonable point. There may be tasks that are onerous or may even conflict with the letter of volunteerism. The fact of that matter is that people in counties where there is a strong and vibrant Civil Defence expect a professional response. In many respects, the Civil Defence could be a victim of its own success in parts of the country insofar as expectations on the part of the public are concerned, for example, with regard to training in the areas of search and rescue.

As I think was mentioned by Senator Wilson, does the Civil Defence have any contacts internationally with similar-type volunteer organisations? One area that does not strictly come under equipment but maybe it should, is the use of dogs. It is a kind of hybrid area. Are dogs being phased out, are they being encouraged, or what is the position there? It seems to me that the dog is a valuable tool but there are areas that do not engage in this type of activity. Then if there are counties which do have a dog or two, there are special requirements and special expenses attached.

I note in the opening statement the launch of the volunteer and equipment management system, VEMS. Can the operational members give us a view on the success or otherwise of the Civil Defence volunteer management system? Is it available all over the country? I acknowledge Senator Joe O'Reilly's comments when he parochialised matters by talking about Cavan. Allow me to talk about Laois very briefly. There has been a huge tradition of Civil Defence there. In recent times, there are international events such as the ploughing championships which is almost exclusively held in Laois now, and also the Electric Picnic. I do not see how these events with very large gatherings of people could be run as smoothly or as successfully without the presence of Civil Defence volunteers. I am sure they are all over the country but I mention two events here and their importance in those events.

There is a need therefore to ensure equipment, modernisation and the appropriate services are felt across the regions in the way they are in Cork as evidenced by Deputy Stanton's contribution. I thank witnesses for all their work. I hope that we as a committee, in conjunction with the Minister for Defence can ensure the matter of budgets is kept very much to the fore. There are inflationary pressures as have been mentioned. There is a constant demand for increased equipment and modernisation. I regard that as being a prerequisite for recruitment. People like to see a professional organisation; they expect to see a professional organisation. While often times this may go against the grain of the traditional spirit of Irish volunteerism, nevertheless in the 21th century - and I am sure explicit right throughout the 2030 document - is the need for a modern, well-equipped and well-respected organisation that is on top of the various changes that are necessary.