Eamon Gilmore
Question:373 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has made each local authority aware that his Department is conducting a review of the fire service. [23767/01]
Written Answers. - Fire Service.
At a press conference on 29 January 2001 I announced that I intended commissioning a wide ranging strategic review of the fire service.
Following this announcement my Department issued a letter to all city and county managers on 7 February 2001 informing them of the forthcoming review, the objective of the review and outlining the process involved. They were also informed that it was expected that the consultants, when appointed, would consult relevant stakeholders for their input as part of the review process. Each manager was asked to bring this matter to the attention of the chief fire officer and other relevant personnel in their respective authorities.
On 12 June 2001 I announced that Farrell Grant Sparks Consulting had been commissioned to carry out the review. My Department issued a letter on 13 June 2001 to all city and county managers informing them of the appointment of the consultants.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:374 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the role, duties, responsibility, authority and reporting relationships of a chief fire officer in a local authority. [23768/01]
Paul McGrath
Question:396 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the responsibilities and duties of a fire officer; and if he will compare these to the responsibilities of a fireman; and if he will set out the category into which station officer falls. [24279/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 374 and 396 together.
The duties of senior fire officers, including chief fire officer, are contained in the particulars of office approved for each grade and these will be forwarded to the Deputies. In general, officers are required to give to the local authority such services as may be required by the local authority. Specific working arrangements are a matter for the county or city manager who has overall responsibility for the control and supervision of all staff.
The duties of station officers and fire officers are a matter for each individual local authority and I have no function in this matter.