Sir, - Kevin Myers (An Irishman's Diary, September 4th) is of the opinion that the Civil Defence service provides nothing "but a weekend diversion for youngsters with time on their hands". This comment displays the correspondent's ignorance of the work done by over 6,000 volunteers of all ages who give freely of their time to prepare and train for civil emergencies and contribute other valuable services to the community.
One hopes that large-scale disaster, whether nuclear or otherwise, will not occur; but if it does, the work of these individuals will be invaluable as it has been in the past. Civil Defence volunteers have been called out during flooding and gorse fires and other emergencies. The Civil Defence also reacts promptly to emerging social changes. When Bosnian refugees first arrived in Ireland Civil Defence was the first organisation to house and facilitate them.
Many organisations would find it difficult and expensive to run large events without the crowd control and stewarding skills of the Civil Defence. The assistance received from our volunteers was greatly appreciated by the organisers of both the Tour de France and the Tall Ships Festival.
Over 6,000 people give voluntarily of their time for the good of the community. These people should be commended, not criticised for their efforts. - Yours, etc., Comdt F. M. Studdert,
Civil Defence Office of Dublin, Wolfe Tone Quay, Dublin 7.