Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for their constructive contributions and comments during the debate. As I stated in my opening remarks the purpose of the Bill is to return the management, development and administration of Civil Defence to the Department of Defence. On that note, Senator Landy discussed the setting up of the Civil Defence Board in 2002 which he questioned, as I did in 2002, notwithstanding the great work the board has carried out since 2001, on which I commend it. I am very aware of the great work that Civil Defence does in my own county and individual Senators outlined the work that Civil Defence does in their counties. On that note, Senator Ó Domhnaill spoke about the relationship between Civil Defence, the local authorities and other agencies. I can assure him that the Bill will strengthen these relationships. The Bill will ensure that Civil Defence can turn over a new leaf. It will make a great impact on the organisation. Relationships can be improved. There are great relationships between Civil Defence and the local authorities in every county.
Senator Landy referred to the flooding in Carrick-on-Suir and Senator Ó Domhnaill referred to festivals in his constituency and how Civil Defence played its part. I have the same experience in my constituency.

Members asked about the response times and operational capacity of Civil Defence. I can reassure Members that nothing of that nature will change because of the Bill. I believe the measure contained in the Bill will be welcomed by all the members of Civil Defence. I attended a recent Civil Defence training event in Enniscorthy and spoke to the members there. They have a genuine interest in doing voluntary Civil Defence work for their community. They are very excited about the opportunity to strengthen the role of Civil Defence in the community and its work as a first class, second line emergency response, while retaining its voluntary ethos and continuing its community support services. There will be no additional financial costs. We will make a net saving by enacting this legislation.

A Member referred to the current training standards of Civil Defence volunteers. That will remain. It is important that every member of Civil Defence is trained to a very high standard. Nobody knows what they will face at any time. I outlined the reasons that Civil Defence was set up originally, and for that reason the volunteers must be trained to a very high standard. Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh referred to its operational work and whether volunteers will have the same say in the organisation and have their voices heard. Voluntary organisations must listen to the members on the ground because if they do not do so, the organisation has failed. The voice of the voluntary members of Civil Defence has been and will continue to be listened to when Civil Defence transfers to the Department of Defence. It is important the Minister, the Minister of State and the officials in the Department listen to the volunteers. We have listened to their views.

We are trying to retain the current budget of Civil Defence. Volunteers give freely of their time, which we respect. It will be difficult to retain the current budget in these challenging economic times, but the volunteers give not just an hour or two a week but often their weekends. That must be recognised. The Minister, his officials and I as Minister of State very much appreciate that.

I look forward to the Committee Stage debate in both Houses. Members will have the opportunity table amendments, which I assure them will be discussed in detail. We will listen to their arguments.

The Bill will be very positive for Civil Defence and will bring new enthusiasm into the work of the organisation. I thank Members for their contributions which have been most instructive and helpful. I look forward to a constructive Committee Stage debate.