Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 4

Written Answers. - Emergency Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

260 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if the fire fighting services throughout the country are adequately equipped to meet all possible emergencies as currently identified throughout the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13182/03]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

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.

In relation to planning for emergencies, I refer to the reply by my colleague, the Minister for Defence, to Questions Nos. 83, 121 and 122 of 2 April 2003. The emphasis of the work of the Government task force on emergency planning, under his chairmanship, has been to ensure that emergency planning challenges continue to be addressed with a view to developing responses to possible threats and promoting co-ordination of response arrangements. It is essential to ensure that Departments and agencies with management roles in large-scale emergencies are facilitated to carry out their respective tasks and that all necessary resources in terms of people, equipment and training are deployed to best effect.

The focus for the future will continue to be on taking the necessary precautions to minimise the risks from terrorist activities, ensuring that the protection available to our people is maximised, putting the mechanisms in place to support the response agencies and co-ordinating for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.