Fire and emergency services are provided primarily by the local authorities acting, as appropriate, in conjunction with the other emergency services locally. My Department supports these services through a range of functions, including sponsoring the legislation underpinning the fire service, funding (which has been substantially increased in the period since 1998) for the replacement/refurbishment of fire stations and the purchase of appliances and equipment and so on, the development and updating of an emergency planning framework and guidelines and the promotion of training and other initiatives. I am satisfied that the fire and emergency services stand prepared and capable of providing an adequate and effective response to emergencies.