asked the Minister for Local Government if he will arrange for a gratuity to be paid to all part-time fire brigade staff on the occasion of their retirement, having regard to the fact that such staff receive no pensions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fire Brigades.
48.
The making of awards to staff retiring from the local authority service is a matter for each local authority subject to the statutory provisions in the Local Government superannuation code. There is no provision which would enable local authorities to pay gratuities to part-time servants, including part-time fire brigade staff, on retirement. Amendment of the code is not at present contemplated.
49.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will ensure that all local authorities employing part-time fire brigade staff utilise the most modern equipment in fire fighting procedures.
50.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will arrange for all local authorities to provide mobile canteens for fire crews engaged in fire fighting.
51.
asked the Minister for Local Government if it is intended to revise the regulations covering the duties of part-time fire brigade staff; and, if so, if he will consult with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions before such revision takes place.
52.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will take steps to ensure that each local authority responsible for part-time fire brigade staff arrange for the staff to conduct at least two drills a month, and also arrange for a definite time for cleaning equipment.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take the replies to Questions Nos. 49 to 52 together.
The obligation to make provision for the prompt and efficient extinguishing of fires is imposed on sanitary authorities by the Fire Brigade Act, 1940. Due to the fact that expenditure on the fire service is completely rate-borne, the acquisition of equipment is a matter for the sanitary authority. My Department have however encouraged these authorities by means of circular letters and inspections to provide themselves with the most modern fire fighting equipment available. In any case where equipment appears to be inadequate, my Department press the sanitary authorities to remedy the deficiency.
I am satisfied, therefore, that, generally, sanitary authorities are sufficiently aware of the obligation imposed upon them to equip themselves adequately for fire fighting.
While the provision of meals for fire crews engaged in fire fighting is a matter for each sanitary authority, I propose to recommend that these sanitary authorities who have not already adopted a scheme for the provision of meals should consider introducing such a scheme.
I have not made any regulations covering the duties of part-time firemen. These duties and other conditions of employment are left to the discretion of the sanitary authority.
The question of frequency of drills, and time for cleaning of equipment, is one for each sanitary authority. I understand that, generally, part-time firemen attend two drills per month, which I would regard as the minimum necessary. In any case where this minimum is not being observed or where the time allowed for cleaning equipment is inadequate, I shall take the matter up with the sanitary authority concerned.