Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support my two colleagues. It is important that Civil Defence continues to be adequately and properly resourced and I very welcome the fact that the Minister of State said that, despite the dissolution of the board, there will be no change to the status of the organisation. I pay tribute to the invaluable work its members do in the community throughout the year. They come into their own in crises. During the terrible flooding in my home town, Ballinasloe, in 2008, they were responsible for ensuring there was no loss of life and damage to property to individuals was minimised. This organisation is much admired and cherished in all our communities and I very much welcome the Minister of State's commitment to ensure it will continue to play a valuable role in our communities and society generally long into the future.