asked the Minister for Local Government with reference to his reply to Question No. 92 on the Order Paper for the 7th December, 1950, if he will state, in view of the deterioration of the international situation since 1948, and the fire and firestorm dangers to be anticipated from possible air raids, whether he will now review his approach to the question of fire fighting services.
- Fire Fighting Services.
Major de Valera
Major de Valera
asked the Minister for Local Government whether his Department has had any consultations with the Department of Defence recently in regard to fire-fighting in the Cities of Dublin and Cork, and whether any arrangements have been made since 1948, for joint action and co-operation in the event of an emergency in respect of this matter, with civil defence organisations under the control of the Minister for Defence.
With your permission, a Chinn Chomhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 78 together.
I intend to proceed with the programme outlined in my reply to the Deputy's previous question with a view to having the local fire brigade services improved and better co-ordinated. Such co-ordination will, naturally, involve co-operation with civil defence services according as they are instituted.
Major de Valera
In regard to Question No. 77, will the Minister undertake to review his approach on this matter and deal with the changes mentioned—that is the particular dangers to be anticipated from fire and fire storms in the event of air raids?
I want to assure the Deputy that the position has been kept under review and is fairly well in hand at the present time.
Major de Valera
I take it that the Minister has nothing in addition to his regular services as yet?
I have indicated to the Deputy that my proposal is to organise the fire brigade services on a permanent basis.
Major de Valera
In regard to Question No. 78, has there as yet been any arrangement made with the Department of Defence?
I think that I had better tell the Deputy what the position is. The boroughs and county boroughs mentioned are provided with adequate equipment for peace-time fire-fighting as required by the Fire Brigades Act, 1940. The same is generally true of all other towns within the State. In securing compliance with requirements of the Act, local authorities were greatly assisted by the issue to them in the years 1946-1948 on indefinite loan free of charge of 178 fire-fighting appliances owned and previously maintained by the Department of Defence for emergency purposes. In many cases this equipment was issued to the fire brigade authority of the area in which the appliance had previously been stationed by the Department of Defence. In addition a number of fire brigade authorities have recently purchased new equipment.
It will be seen, therefore, that the present position so far as equipment is concerned, is better than it was during the last emergency. During the last five years considerable advances have been made in the training of local fire brigades which now exist in all areas. Fire officers have been appointed in 15 counties to organise and co-ordinate the services on a county basis. Fire brigade authorities which now have obtained loans for the purchase of fire engines in recent years include Dublin, Dún Laoghaire, Waterford and Bray.
Major de Valera
Arising out of the Minister's reply——
Question No. 79.
Major de Valera
I have not been told whether there has been any positive action taken with regard to defence for an emergency. The Government has been avoiding replying.
That may be so. I am not the judge of that. I am, however, the judge of order and if the next question is called the previous one is finished.
Major de Valera
With respect, I submit to the Chair that I am entitled to ask a question to prevent the Government evading their answer. The Government is evading its responsibilities.
The Deputy is not entitled to ask a question when the Chair has called the next question —no Deputy is.