James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

81. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding legal advice provided to his Department concerning State assurances for Civil Defence; when his Department received this legal advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21002/19]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) is the regulator for emergency medical services in Ireland and their role is to protect the public. The Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council require organisations who wish to be operational, to apply to them for an annual licence to operate.

Organisations wishing to hold a licence to operate must sign the “statutory declaration” which consists of 25 statements. Persons signing the “statutory declaration” confirm the information provided on the form is true and by virtue of the Statutory Declaration Act, 1938.

When the Civil Defence’s current licence was up for renewal in November 2018, my officials reviewed the current statutory declaration. That review identified issues that required my officials to seek legal advice. The concerns related to some assurances and details which the Department were required to give as part of the licensing process. The necessary details required to complete the licence application form were not within the control or remit of the Department of Defence as responsibility for operations rests with local authorities as set out in the 2015 Government White Paper on Defence.

Based on this review, the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council extended Civil Defence’s current licence to 30 July 2019. This was to allow my Department officials engage with local authorities. This engagement is ongoing.

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

82. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the way in which he plans to ensure that the licence renewal for the Civil Defence will be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21003/19]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Civil Defence is a volunteer based organisation of approximately 3,500 volunteers who give generously of their time and expertise for their community and in support of the Principal Response Agencies.

The 2015 Government White Paper on Defence outlines that the Civil Defence Branch of my Department is responsible for the strategic management and development of Civil Defence at a national level. My Department provides grant aid, policy advice and training to support local Civil Defence units. The White Paper recognises the important role of Local Government in the management of Civil Defence. The Civil Defence Officer who is an employee of the Local Authority is responsible for the day-to-day management of Civil Defence in their Local Authority area.

I fully appreciate the excellent services provided by Civil Defence volunteers in both emergency situations, in support of the Principal Response Agencies, and in the community support role, throughout the country. A key role provided by Civil Defence is in the area of first aid and medical support.

In that context, my officials have been working to resolve the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council licensing issue. My officials have been and continue to engage with Local Authority management through the Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Planning subcommittee of the City and County Managers Association and with senior management of the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council.

I have asked my officials to continue to engage constructively to ensure there is no diminution in the level of care and first aid cover that Civil Defence volunteers provide beyond 30 July 2019.