Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 6

Written Answers. - Fire Service Calls.

Willie Penrose

Question:

192 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason the computer aided mobilisation project procedure for emergency fire service calls has not been introduced in County Westmeath; if his Department has provided the necessary finance to insure proper remuneration for officers to operate this system of call-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10808/99]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

The computer aided mobilisation project is being implemented nationally on a phased basis through three regional centres. The Dublin centre is in operation and currently caters for the Dublin area and Laois and Meath via an interim system. The centre is intended to cover the Leinster counties, Cavan and Monaghan. It is hoped to bring the remaining counties into the system on a phased basis as early as possible.

The operation of the fire service, including its financial arrangements, is a matter for individual fire authorities. Fire authority income to meet such costs would, in the main, comprise income from rates, fees and charges from goods and services and general purpose grants. As a result of increased allocations which I have made from the Local Government (Equalisation) Fund in 1998 and from the Local Government Fund in 1999, local authorities will be greatly assisted in meeting additional costs which might arise.