Written Answers. - Fire Service Recommendations.
Ivor Callely
Question:
58
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for the Environment
the progress, if any, made in implementing the recommendations of the Stardust tribunal in respect of fire services; the recommendations, if any, which have not been implemented to date; the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[20946/96]
Ivor Callely
Question:
125
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for the Environment
the issues under consideration for the fire services; the recommendations, if any, he has received; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[21216/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 125 together.
The 1982 report of the Stardust tribunal, a copy of which was placed in the Oireachts Library, made a wide range of recommendations in relation to the fire service and other related matters. These recommendations have either been implemented or taken into account in the ongoing formulation of policy on fire safety and the development of the local authority fire services over the intervening period, with the support of successive Governments. Improvements have been made on a comprehensive basis, covering such areas as the financing and equipping of the local fire service, its organisation and staffing, the legislative framework, and emergency planning.
With respect to capital investment, a total of £81 million has been provided from State funds since 1981 to finance work on 92 new or reconstructed fire stations, the purchase of replacement fire appliances and major improvements in telecommunications, emergency equipment and so on. As regards staffing, there were about 30 professional posts in the local fire service prior to 1982, whereas now there are 129 such posts, with a greatly increased emphasis on fire prevention and fire safety.
The Fire Services Act, 1981, strengthened the overall statutory regime for enforcing fire safety. Regulations under the Act make the locking of exits and blocking of escape routes from places of assembly an offence. Building regulations, which came into effect in June 1992, set out the requirements, including fire safety requirements, to be met in the design and construction of new buildings and material changes in existing buildings. With some limited exceptions, a fire safety certificate is now required for new buildings, extensions, and material alterations and changes of use. It is intended to publish new technical guidance to accompany the regulations before the end of the year following a review by my Department; this will require improved standards in many aspects of new buildings, including fire safety provisions.
A series of codes of practice and guidelines have been issued giving advice on fire safety in places of assembly, in hotels and guesthouses, in flats and apartments, in regard to furnishings and fittings in places of assembly and, most recently, in regard to nursing homes and similar type premises. Operational guidelines covering training needs, the use of breathing apparatus, etc. have also been issued to fire authorities. Work is continuing on the preparation of further advice and guidance.
Major improvements in fire service training have also taken place. For example, since it was set up in 1983 the Fire Services Council has held over 160 training courses at central level for over 3,000 local fire service personnel, to supplement the training carried out locally by fire authorities. Major training facilities for the fire service have been provided at several centres around the country including the Dublin Fire Brigade training centre at Marino.
The National Safety Council, established in 1988, promotes public awareness in relation to fire safety, as well as roads and water safety. Local authorities have developed plans to deal with major emergencies and my Department provides extensive advice and assistance to the authorities on this matter on an ongoing basis.
Three mobilisation and communications centres to handle all fire "999" calls are being developed in Limerick, Dublin and Castlebar. The Munster system came into operation in 1993, planning for the fitting out of the control centre in Dublin is at an advanced stage, and the Castlebar centre is being developed at present.
All the recommendations of the report have received full and careful consideration in the ongoing development of the fire service. I am satisfied that the improvements which I have outlined have significantly strengthened the capacity of the service to respond to fires and other emergencies, and in fire prevention activities.
