Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to refer to the Civil Defence volunteers. While the Bill is being discussed in the House, it is important to put on record our thanks to all Civil Defence units and volunteers in all counties throughout the country for the work they do every single weekend. I think of my own local authority area in Longford. All through Covid and prior to that with flooding issues, we turned to the Civil Defence. It is important to put on record our thanks. During the last two weekends, I have been at numerous events, from the ordination last Sunday of the Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, Paul Connell, to GAA matches, soccer matches, pony shows - you name it - supervised by Civil Defence members in the area. That is the one organisation people turn to for help should any issue arise. I want to put on record my thanks to all of those involved in the Civil Defence who volunteer and give their time to the communities throughout the county of Longford.