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

I am glad to get the opportunity to speak about Civil Defence. I thank the Minister for bringing forward this legislation at this time. The memorandum circulated to Members states that the purpose of the Bill is to modernise the existing legislation relating to civil defence matters contained within the Air-Raid Precautions Acts, 1939 and 1946, and the Civil Defence Act 2012. Civil Defence provides five core services, including emergency response, search and rescue, medical response, community assistance and a radiation monitoring service. It is very important that at this time, its role is updated and it is properly recognised. The purpose of the Bill is to consolidate existing disparate legislation in place in this area.

Each one of us, particularly elected Members, knows how vital Civil Defence is. There are times when Civil Defence is very visible such as during normal big events with crowds of people such as the day of the Munster final in Killarney when we have a go at Cork, treat it very well and hope it does not win. Civil Defence is very visible on days like that. Its members are at major events like the Rose of Tralee and the horse racing in Killarney but it is equally visible on desperate days when someone is missing and a family is trouble. Civil Defence plays a vital role. Civil Defence members are volunteers but they are trained. I set out the various roles they can play. When somebody has a cardiac arrest, they are probably the nearest at times to help when help is needed. Civil Defence plays a vital role with the diminishing presence of An Garda Síochána or when its members are away on different operations. They provide as good a service as those who are paid to provide them and they must be recognised and properly treated and have the proper equipment. I appeal to the Minister to ensure the Civil Defence has that.

I also thank all the other volunteer services in Kerry such as the Order of Malta, the Red Cross and the air ambulance, which is vital. We know the vital role it has played in saving so many people by taking them directly to the larger hospitals where they get treatment. We know how great that service is. It goes into areas that are so slow to get in and out of and does miraculous work and we really appreciate it.

We previously raised in the House the issue regarding the air ambulance service and I am proud to be a member of the Rural Independent Group, which did so. Those people need proper financial assistance to keep that service going. Without that, rural places including in County Kerry, such as Glencar, Scartaglin and Brosna, will be impacted. Kerry is a massive county and that has to be recognised. Perhaps in Dublin, the services are more visible and readily available, but people living in rural Ireland and rural Kerry need the same services as the people everywhere else and in the urban areas. I appreciate the Tánaiste's efforts in this regard and will thank him if he takes stock of what we are asking for such that these people will be properly funded.

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