Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My question is on A Programme for a Partnership Government, specifically its reference to a partnership plan for a fair Ireland in both rural and urban communities. Regarding rural Ireland, Civil Defence has proved to be an outstanding organisation. A group called PHECC - in case anybody thinks I am using unparliamentary language, it is the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council - used to issue medical certificates to members of the Civil Defence. However, that will no longer be the case from July onwards. This will cause major problems for many festivals, including the Roscommon racing festival, which rely on Civil Defence for assistance. There will be serious difficulties with health and safety at many festivals if there is no clarification or resolution of this issue. The Minister may not be able to respond given that the matter is being dealt with by the Minister of State, Deputy Kehoe. However, I ask him to bring my concerns to the attention of the Minister of State in order that we can get this matter sorted out as quickly as possible and continue to have medical certificates issued.

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