Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Seamus Healy and the Technical Group for allowing me to share time.

The Bill provides for the repeal of the Civil Defence Act 2002, the dissolution of the Civil Defence board and the transfer of its functions and other responsibilities back to the Department of Defence. Its purpose is to bring responsibility for the management, development and administration of Civil Defence at national level back into the Department where it lay at the time the organisation was founded in the 1950s. It was designed to undertake very important activities and take measures to defend persons and property against all eventualities, including radioactive fall-out or biological or chemical warfare attacks on the State. I have no great difficulty with the purpose of the Bill and commend the great work done by the Civil Defence board and its members during the years. The board and its committees have overseen the development of Civil Defence at a national level.

Coincidentally, this week saw the publication by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government of an expert report which stated a radioactive leak at the Sellafield nuclear plant would not pose serious health concerns in this country. That is hard to believe. The Sellafield nuclear plant is on a site on the edge of the Irish Sea in Cumbria, but, according to the report commissioned by the Government, it poses no health risk to Ireland. The report states that even a worst case incident such as a massive explosion would not produce "observable health effects in Ireland". This flies in the face not only of what all of us know but also contradicts a British Government watchdog report issued earlier this month which found that hazardous nuclear waste at Sellafield posed an "intolerable risk" to people and the environment. A public spending watch group warned that plans to replace ageing nuclear waste facilities at Sellafield that posed "significant risks" to the population faced considerable uncertainty. If such a catastrophic event were to occur, it would be a perfect example of where we would need the massive manpower and efforts of Civil Defence.

In a recent debate in the Seanad the Minister of State highlighted the role played by Civil Defence during the rescue operation following the tragic sinking of a trawler in Glandore Harbour, County Cork, last January, with the loss of five lives. In an operation lasting more than 27 days an average of 36 Civil Defence volunteers per day, drawn from nine local authority areas, assisted in the search for the missing trawlermen. Civil Defence volunteers served for almost 8,000 hours in that operation. I join the Minister of State in commending all the volunteers involved.

Civil Defence is an organisation with approximately 6,000 members who voluntarily make themselves available in their spare time. Civil Defence is a respected organisation with highly trained and effective members who provide valued and appreciated support for the emergency services and the community. It is a voluntary organisation of dedicated men and women who assist the community and freely give of their time. They provide invaluable backup for the full-time emergency services and casualty, rescue, auxiliary fire and welfare services when needed. I offer the example of Kerry Civil Defence which is headed by people such as Mr. Tom Brosnan and has more than 240 volunteers who assist in all kinds of operations during severe weather conditions. A number of years ago they had to transport public health nurses to take care of their patients and also provided transport for members of the general public in coping with their day-to-day difficulties during that awful spell of bad weather. They provide invaluable assistance for organisations such as the Kerry mountain rescue team which also does excellent work. There is a great attraction for climbers in the mountains of County Kerry and, given the law of averages, accidents and incidents will take place on the hills and in the mountains. We are very fortunate to have such a good rescue team. Its members also assist Civil Defence during major events such as the annual cycle around the Ring of Kerry, the Rose of Tralee festival, Puck Fair and the 15 August celebrations in Kenmare. On all of these big occasions one can see the work and input of Civil Defence, the members of which are available when wanted. The Kerry county manager and Kerry County Council also support Civil Defence in recognition of the valuable contribution the organisation makes on a daily basis.

It is essential that the vital link between local authorities and Civil Defence is continued. It should not be affected in any way by the transfer of functions back to the Department. Local knowledge and communication with local authorities are essential to ensure the effective working of Civil Defence teams. This line of communication must remain open to ensure a immediate response to emergencies. I would not want to see the enactment of the Bill leading to a dilution or removal of the understanding of the work Civil Defence does throughout the country.

As already stated, all Civil Defence members are volunteers. In that context, we must ensure that Civil Defence's budget in respect of equipment and training is protected. It is the Minister's job to ensure that this happens and I have no doubt but that he will do his job. He certainly realises the importance of the work done by Civil Defence volunteers in his local community and the wider constituency he represents. I wish the Bill well and I look forward to its passage through the Houses. I thank the Minister of State for coming before the House to take this debate.

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