Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 9: To ask the Minister for Defence the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to continue to support the work of the Civil Defence through the ongoing provision of new equipment and encourage increased membership of the Civil Defence through regular and targeted recruitment programmes. [20175/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Civil Defence Board was established in 2003. The board produces a strategic plan every three years, the most recent of which, covering the period 2007-10, was launched by me last September. Copies of the plan have been laid before the House. The strategies identified by the board for the management and development of the Civil Defence place a high priority on the organisation's involvement in developing training and recruitment programmes and in the framework for major emergency management, which identifies a wider role for the Civil Defence in emergency response.

In 2007, the Civil Defence Board received a grant of almost €6.1 million from my Department and it is my intention that this level of funding be maintained. In each of the past three years, the board has expended on average almost €1 million on the purchase of equipment, enabling the board to equip volunteers to a high standard. In this regard, the board introduced new Civil Defence work wear in 2006, which has enhanced the image of the organisation and assisted the board in attracting and retaining new members.

Recently, considerable expenditure on training, first aid, rescue and communications equipment, in addition to boats and vehicles, has helped to transform the Civil Defence into a modern multifunctional emergency response organisation. The board has re-equipped all of its casualty volunteers with up-to-date training manuals, DVDs and instructional material, bringing the organisation into line with the statutory requirements laid down by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council, PHECC. The board has also invested considerable resources in re-equipping Civil Defence technical rescue teams since 2006.

Marketing the capabilities of the Civil Defence is an important strategy in meeting the target of increasing membership by 10% by 2010 as identified in the board's strategic plan. While the recruitment of Civil Defence members is a local authority function, the Civil Defence Board both encourages and supports local authorities, through their Civil Defence officers, to undertake recruitment campaigns. The board supports these recruitment initiatives through the provision of additional publicity material and media training for Civil Defence officers and other supports that help to enhance the image of the Civil Defence. Targeted recruitment programmes also take place in the form of public awareness campaigns and new training classes at various locations around the country.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I compliment the Civil Defence on its work, some of which is difficult, to say the least. For example, its members must trawl rivers and so on when unfortunate family members have been lost in our rivers or lakes.

Regarding the replacement of equipment, one particular unit was unable to carry out its duties because its replacement boat was not licensed to participate in the exercise. Does this matter lie within the remit of the Civil Defence or is it a matter for the Defence Forces, which do good work in my area? Alternatively, must the Department of Transport investigate whether the boats are suitable before granting licences?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank Deputy Wall for his remarks regarding the Civil Defence and I will pass on his compliments. I am sorry to learn of the specific case and that people could not engage in a rescue mission because they did not have a licence to operate the boat. I will get an answer for the Deputy.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I would be happy to give the Minister the information.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

If the Deputy gives me specific details, I will follow up on the matter.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I will and I accept the Minister's answer.