Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the Members who contributed to this debate. Everyone praised the work done by the Civil Defence across the country. As I stated in my opening remarks, it is intended that this Bill will return the management, development and administration of the Civil Defence to the Department of Defence. In the day-to-day running of the organisation and for the volunteer on the ground, the basic structure of the Civil Defence will remain the same. That was a concern for several Members. The only change to the Civil Defence is the dissolution of its board, while its management will be brought into the Department of Defence. A forum will be established with representatives from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, county managers, Civil Defence officers and volunteers and the Department of Defence. Civil Defence officers and volunteers from all local authorities and local areas will have a voice in this proposed forum. The concerns of every volunteer on the ground will be listened to.

The Bill is a major advance for the Civil Defence and represents a sensible and practical model for its operation in the years ahead. I believe the Bill's measures will be welcomed by all Civil Defence members and ensure it develops as a first-class second-line emergency response organisation. In County Wexford, I am very much aware of the amount of work Civil Defence volunteers do on the ground. While some may say the savings from this legislation are minimal, €60,000 is still not to be sniffed at in these times.

I thank Members for their contributions, which have been most instructive and helpful. I look forward to an equally constructive debate on Committee Stage.

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