Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael)
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701. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans for recognising members of the Civil Defence that provided medical care for members of the Defence Forces and the general public during the 1916 celebrations in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40192/16]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, 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 Department of Defence manages and develops Civil Defence at national level. The Civil Defence Branch of the Department provides 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 Units are 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 a full-time employee of the local authority.

The work of the volunteers benefits society at large, it reaches into every community, be that in support of the local authorities in flooding incidents, support to An Garda Síochána in searches for missing persons or providing first aid cover at major events. Civil Defence is involved in numerous community events right across the country throughout the year. These include State, local authority, charity, cultural and sporting events. They range from major national events to much smaller local events.

The Government values highly the spirit of service and voluntarism of members of Civil Defence. I fully recognise and appreciate the time and effort which they freely give through participation in training and on active duties.

The Department of Defence issues awards to recognise volunteers with 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years service in Civil Defence. These awards recognise the service of Civil Defence volunteers and their contribution to their communities.