Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Department and I believe the local authorities play an integral role regarding Civil Defence and will continue to do so. Each Civil Defence organisation in each county will have a very close relationship with the local authority. My local authority in Wexford has a dedicated director of services who has responsibility for Civil Defence matters. Most local authorities have a dedicated official responsible for Civil Defence. There is, therefore, direct contact with the local authority. There is a very close relationship will all county and city mangers because they depend on Civil Defence members. Senator Michael Mullins has pointed out that, if there is flooding, for example, local authorities very much appreciate the work carried out by Civil Defence. I understand this will continue to be the case.