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

It is important to discuss and debate this Bill and to use this opportunity to acknowledge the great work done by the Civil Defence over the years. Of course I want to recognise the work done by our local authority, Kerry County Council, and, under its jurisdiction, the local authority, the Civil Defence officers and all the volunteers in County Kerry and throughout the rest of the country. There are 3,500 volunteers throughout the country. These people have done Trojan work at ordinary and extraordinary events. An example of an ordinary event is a very happy affair such as Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee festival or the 15 August fair in Kenmare. We have many other great events in our county. We can rely on the Civil Defence being there, as well as the Order of Malta, the Red Cross and all of the others. When there are emergencies or additional help is needed, these people are brought in. They help at the great Kilgarvan weekend event we have every year where Helen O'Sullivan and her hard-working committee hold an event in the village.

Those people provide support when they are needed with crowds, which is very important. What also needs to be recognised here today, and I want to do this on behalf of the county I represent, are the inshore rescue people in Caherdaniel, Waterville and along the rest of the coast because given its coastline, County Kerry experiences tragedies and people who get into trouble in the water. We also need our mountain rescue. These are the great people from Coolmagort, Beaufort who go up our mountain ranges when people get into trouble there. They are ably assisted by Civil Defence on the ground if it is needed. I want to recognise the likes of those people.

We are talking about the value of emergency services such as Civil Defence but I also want to recognise Donie Lucey from the Irish Community Air Ambulance for the excellent work it has done. The forthcoming Castleisland Forestry Rally was launched. Castleisland is a place the Minister will know well. A rally will take place there with the funds to go to the air ambulance in County Kerry and the Cork region. We are so fortunate because of our rough terrain. Regarding driving from Valentia Island to Tarbert, you could drive from Kilgarvan to Dublin quicker so is it any wonder we need an air ambulance and people to rescue people from the mountains? We have a big open area where we need help. We should give every acknowledgement to Civil Defence. I also thank the former Minister, Deputy Coveney, for acknowledging its work, particularly during the pandemic. The statistics are frightening. There were 9,500 call outs and operations in which it was involved taking care of people and dealing with the emergency at that time. I know the Minister when in the important position of Taoiseach acknowledged its work and I appreciate that. It is very important that the Government recognises and thanks these people, who are volunteers, giving of their time freely. We appreciate that very much.

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