Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 2

Written Answers. - Fire Services.

Billy Timmins

Question:

198 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government when the review of the fire services was published; the number of recommendations it contains; the number of these which have been implemented; when the remainder will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29418/03]

Billy Timmins

Question:

199 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government when the national fire authority will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29419/03]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 together.

The Review of Fire Services and Fire Safety in Ireland report was published in March 2002. I indicated my firm commitment to taking forward the fire safety and fire services elements of the review report recommendations. The report, which analyses current arrangements, key trends and international comparators runs to 272 pages and contains a chapter of some 44 pages with recommendations which are not all specifically itemised.

Since the publication of the report, my Department, the fire authorities, the Fire Services Council and the National Safety Council, which currently retain their respective roles and responsibilities for fire services and fire safety development, have been guided by the review report recommendations in advancing their respective policies and services. I appointed a new Fire Services Council last February for a two year period and I have the assistance of the council in moving forward with the review and in highlighting the positive contribution of local fire services to the safety of the community. In addition, co-operation with the review implementation and change programme is included in relevant negotiations with staff interests through the Local Government Management Services Board and at individual fire authority level.

I have also progressed the Licensing of Indoor Events Act 2003, incorporating amendments to the Fire Services Act 1981, through the Houses of the Oireachtas over the past year to address a number of changes called for in the review. The new Act significantly amends and updates the enforcement provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981 and these provisions came into effect on 14 July 2003.

The review report's recommendations on to inter-agency major emergency planning were overtaken by the creation of the Office of Emergency Planning at the Department of Defence in late 2001 which supports a Government task force on emergency planning chaired by the Minister for Defence. In addition, my Department and the City and County Managers Association, CCMA, recently formed a sub-committee under existing Department-CCMA structures to act as an interface and forum on local authority emergency planning issues and provide a vital link between the local and national structures.

The implementation process in relation to the report includes the development and improvement of structures for the co-ordination and delivery of fire services. Work to this end is continuing.