Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Civil Defence is a volunteer based organisation which supports the frontline emergency services. It operates in partnership between the Department of Defence and local authorities' throughout Ireland. The Civil Defence Branch of the Department of Defence is charged with the management and development of Civil Defence at national level. The Civil Defence Branch provides policy direction, centralised training, administrative support and guidance and centralised procurement of major items of uniform and equipment in support of local authority Civil Defence efforts.

At local level, Civil Defence is based in each local authority area under the operational control of the relevant local authority. On a day to day basis these Units operate under the control of a Civil Defence Officer, who is an employee of the local authority. Civil Defence is funded by a combination of a central grant from the Department of Defence and a contribution from the relevant local authority on a 70/30 basis.

The recent White Paper on Defence reaffirmed the longstanding position that responsibility for the accommodation of local Civil Defence Units remains with the relevant local authority. It also committed my Department to continue working pro-actively with local authorities to ensure that appropriate accommodation is provided for all Civil Defence Units.

I understand that Longford Civil Defence has recently moved from one rented premises to another rented premises. My Department will be happy to consider any proposals made by Longford County Council regarding the securing of permanent accommodation for Longford Civil Defence.