Ms Emer Dalton:

The main payment to the local authorities each year is an annual grant, and that is based on a formula which involves a range of criteria, such as the size and population of the county. It also involves the CDO salaries. We recently increased the allowance to incorporate the ACDO salaries as well so there are defined criteria in the main operational grant each year. Aside from that, there could be specific grants for specific reasons. For example, with the dormant accounts funding in recent years, there has been approximately €3 million in additional grants given out across the country and that has been focused on the renewal of the fleet in particular. A previous speaker referred to the cost of equipment. We focused on renewing the Civil Defence fleet across the country. That will be another €400,000 in expenditure this year. Then specific grants can be given for specific reasons or central funding can be provided. For instance, last year, when there was pressure to stand up rest centres for Ukrainians seeking protection in Ireland, sourcing camp beds was an issue. Some of those were sourced centrally and divided out. Where we can and where there is a particular squeeze, the Department will assist the local units in funding certain items.