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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 May 1977

Vol. 299 No. 11

Written Answers. - Fire Service Report.

43.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he has adopted the recommendations contained in the report of the fire service which was laid before the Dáil in July, 1975; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the legislative proposals he has in that regard.

A central recommendation in the report is that an assessment of the strength and adequacy of the fire service should be carried out in each area. In September last, I asked local authorities to conduct such an assessment, extending to all aspects of their fire-fighting and fire prevention programmes, and I provided guidance on how this should be done. The assessments are of fundamental importance in the opportunity which they provide local authorities to identify any weaknesses there may be and to identify any necessary improvements. They should also provide valuable information bearing on a number of matters on which the working party made recommendations.

Much stress was laid in the report on the importance of training. The provision for central training for fire service personnel is being specially examined by a sub-committee of the Local Government Manpower Committee, and an interim recommendation of the group relating to training in the use of breathing apparatus has already been implemented. A further step has been taken with the publication last November of the draft code of building regulations, which includes a number of sections on fire safety. A number of further matters the subject of recommendations in the report of the working party, including aspects of staffing and structure and the arrangements for carrying out fire prevention work are under active consideration in consultation with the local authorities. The provision for financing the ongoing programmes in provision of fire stations and purchase of appliances has been substantially increased since the report.

Considerable progress has been made, therefore, and continues to be made in regard to these practical issues. It would not be feasible to finalise proposals for new legislation pending completion of some of the studies mentioned above, but the matter has been receiving consideration in the meantime.

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