Vol. 530 No. 3
203 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that the relevant recommendations of the Stardust tribunal have been implemented; if each local authority has approved emergency operations plans as required by section 26 of the Fire Services Act, 1981 and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3836/01]
The 1982 report of the Stardust tribunal made a wide range of recommendations in relation to the fire service and other related matters. All these recommendations have received full and careful consideration and 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. Improvements have been carried out on a comprehensive basis, covering such areas as the financing and equipping of the local fire service, its organisation and staffing, training, the legislative framework and emergency planning. I am satisfied that these improvements have significantly strengthened the capacity of the service to respond to fires and other emergencies, and in fire prevention activities.
Section 26 plans deal with the organisation, equipment, training and other operational matters required for fire and other emergency situations. Twenty three fire authorities have submitted plans. A further seven fire authorities have prepared, but not yet adopted, plans. The remaining three fire authorities have yet to prepare plans.
Section 26 plans should not be confused with the major emergency plans which all authorities have prepared and keep updated. These set out the arrangements for mobilising and co-ordinating the emergency response to any event which causes or threatens death or injury, serious disruption of essential services or damage to property on a scale beyond the normal capabilities of the Garda, local authorities and health services.
