Vol. 535 No. 4
234 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she is prepared to make a special grant available for the provision of a fire service on Inishbofin Island particularly in view of the tragedy in July 2000 in which three persons died. [12841/01]
The matter of fire fighting services for the islands is primarily one for the fire authorities. I would, however, be willing to examine an application for capital funding to assist with the provision of fire fighting services on the islands, Inishbofin included, were one submitted by the fire authorities. To date, no application has been received.
The Deputy may wish to learn that my Department in consultation with the fire authorities is examining the possibility of providing funding to assist with the cost of installing smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in premises on the islands that do not possess fire fighting services. Obviously, such an initiative must embrace all the offshore-inhabited islands.
