Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2011
92 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will implement a waiver from fire service charges for persons on low incomes and in circumstances where they have not called out the fire service to road collisions. [7046/11]
View answerThe provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981 and 2003. Under section 35(3) of the Act, it is matter for each local authority to determine whether to charge users or beneficiaries of a fire service for services which the fire authority provides.
My Department supports the local fire authorities through setting of general policy, training support and issue of guidance on operational and other related matters, and the provision of capital funding.
