Paul Kehoe T.D, Minister with Responsibility for Defence provides an update on Civil Defence’s licence to operate from PHECC

16 May 2019

Today Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe T.D. provided an update on the ongoing engagement between the Department of Defence, senior officials from the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) and with representatives of the Local Authorities through the County and City Managers Association (CCMA).

 All three parties met yesterday afternoon, Wednesday 15 May. There was continued positive engagement in line with the clear desire from all parties to resolve the issue, to ensure the emergency medical services provided by Civil Defence volunteers on a weekly basis up and down the country can continue.

 Further engagement will take place over the coming weeks.

 The Minister commented “that I have asked my officials to continue the positive and active engagement that commenced at the beginning of the year”.  

 He stated “I am committed to ensuring the excellent service Civil Defence volunteers provide in terms of emergency medical services continues beyond the 30 July 2019 and I am confident all three parties can reach agreement in the very near future”.

 He concluded by stating “I am conscious that Civil Defence volunteers are anxious about this issue, but I can assure you every effort is being made to ensure Civil Defence volunteers can continue to provide the professional level of service they currently do, while recognising the unique structure of the Civil Defence organisation”. 

ENDs

Note to Editors

An explanatory note on the topic is attached.

Explanation of Current Civil Defence and PHECC Issue

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