asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether his attention has been directed to the superior protective quality of composition helmets for members of fire brigades against the dangers of live electric wires as opposed to the existing equipment of metal helmets and, if so, whether he will recommend local authorities to provide this equipment for firemen.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Helmets for Members of Fire Brigade.
Arrangements have already been made to give these new helmets a trial in Dublin. If they prove satisfactory other local authorities that have fire brigades will be notified.
Is the Minister aware that the London County Council has adopted this form of composition helmets for the members of their fire brigade on a report received from the electricity authorities that the old type of fire helmet was becoming extremely dangerous owing to the risks of these helmets coming in contact with live electric wires?
I am not so closely in touch with London as the Deputy.
Surely the Minister's officials have attended conferences of the local authorities in London and elsewhere and I assume that they have made reports to him as to the proceedings at these local conferences to attend which this House supplied the money?
I am not aware.
The Minister ought to be aware of them.