Jan O'Sullivan
Question:138 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of women employed in the fire service; and the efforts which have been made to recruit and retain women within the service.
Written Answers. - Fire Service.
The number of officer posts held by women in fire authorities at the end of 1997, the most recent year for which complete staffing figures are available, was seven, and the total number of non-officer posts held by women in fire authorities was 19.
It is open to any individual, female or male, who has the necessary qualifications, to compete for posts in fire authorities. Local authorities are equal opportunities employers and all managers have appointed an equality officer for the authorities under their control to develop a culture of equality for all staff.