Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020
389. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to reintroduce the emergency management and fire and public safety Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35315/20]
View answerThe provision of fire services in local authority areas, including the establishment and maintenance of fire brigades, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises, is a statutory function of each individual fire authority. This work of Local Authority Fire Services, has, to a large degree, been supported by the Fire Services Act 1981 and 2003 for nearly 40 years. While this legislation has served the country well it is an appropriate time now to ensure that it fully and accurately reflects the expanded and more dynamic role that our Fire Services have taken on in recent years.
It is my intention to bring forward legislation to consolidate and update the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003. The Bill will also provide a statutory underpinning for certain recommendations in the “Report of the Fire Safety Task Force 2018”, which was brought to Government previously, and any issues emanating from the 1st Grenfell Report from the UK, published in late 2019.
Furthermore, the Bill will provide a statutory basis for aspects of emergency management as outlined in the Review Report on the severe weather events “Delivering Integrated Emergency Management” brought to Government in December 2019. It will effectively underpin the current established emergency management practice at national and local level.
Finally from a public safety perspective, the Bill will implement the findings of a review of funfair safety which is just being finalised within my Department. It will revise and enhance the legislative approach to safety at funfairs as well as more broadly amending the legislation dealing with the licensing of indoor events.
A General Scheme of the Bill is at an advanced stage of preparation within my Department. I anticipate bringing a Memorandum to Government, on this issue, in the near future, followed by publication of the Bill.
