Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Nov 1971

Vol. 256 No. 7

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers (Resumed). - Fire Service.

247.

Mr. Desmond

asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that there is a good deal of concern throughout the State concerning the fire service; that fire loss has increased more than four-fold since 1965; that there is dissatisfaction among chief fire officers, second officers and fulltime and retained firemen over training; and whether in view of these and other important facts he feels that an expansion and reorganisation of the fire fighting and prevention service is now urgently necessary.

248.

Mr. Desmond

asked the Minister for Local Government whether he considers that the Fire Brigades Act, 1940, is in need of amendment or replacement by more up-to-date legislation, in view of the fact that fire risk and fire loss have increased greatly in recent years; and whether he considers that there is an urgent need for his Department to ensure more central coordination, regular inspection of brigades and a larger technical and administrative staff concerned with fire.