Civil Defence funding and promotion
Treacy asked whether funding and local officers’ efforts were sufficient to promote Civil Defence. The Minister considered the budget adequate despite wishing it were larger, and said officers were committed to expanding its role.
I welcome the Minister's confirmation of the role of Civil Defence. Will the Minister indicate if he is satisfied with the amount of finance available for the promotion of Civil Defence? Is he satisfied that the local authority officers responsible for the co-ordination and promotion of Civil Defence are making a positive effort to expand its role?
Comment on this
I am satisfied that the budget available for Civil Defence activities is adequate. Obviously, I would like to see a greater budget but we are working under financial constraints, as the Deputy is aware. There is an adequate budget. With regard to the officers of Civil Defence, I am satisfied that they are committed and fully aware of the valuable role of Civil Defence and that it will get the emphasis it is entitled to in local operations.