Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
468. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the review of the Retained Fire Service; if he has received the final report; if so, if he will publish the timeline for any recommendations that are contained in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63302/22]
View answerFire services in Ireland are provided by local authorities in accordance with the provisions of the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003. 31 authorities provide fire prevention and fire protection services for communities through 27 service delivery structures. Approximately 3,300 local authority staff, engaged at 217 fire stations nationwide, deliver local authority fire services. 16 of these stations are staffed by full-time firefighters, a further 4 are mixed full-time and retained, and 197 are staffed by retained firefighters, with approximately 2,065 retained firefighters around the country. It is important to note that the numbers of fire service front-line staff have been maintained at a constant high level throughout the economic challenges of the past number of years, even when staffing numbers, by necessity, were reduced in other areas of the local authority sector.
In May 2021, I directed the Management Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) to review the delivery and sustainability of the local authority ‘Retained’ Fire Services, with particular emphasis on the recruitment and retention of personnel.
Following the recommendation of the NDFEM Management Board, I approved the review report for publication in December 2022, a copy of which can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/cac13-retained-fire-services-in-ireland-a-review-of-recruitment-and-retention-and-the-future-sustainability-of-service-delivery/
Publication of this review builds on the progress made implementing the “Keeping Communities Safe” policy, setting the future strategic direction of the Retained Fire Service.
The review report is the culmination of:
- the comprehensive engagement of retained firefighters with an independent research survey conducted during 2021. (Over 900 members of retained firefighting service members both serving and those recently left took part);
- the comprehensive engagement of senior fire service management with an independent research survey during 2021;
- a comparative analysis of service delivery models with other European fire services;
- further direct engagement with staff representatives throughout the process via the Fire Services National Oversight and Implementation Group (Retained), facilitated by the Local Government Management Association (LGMA).
The work of the brave men and women of the retained fire services, can be dangerous, physically challenging, and psychologically demanding. Our firefighters are an elite frontline service staffed by very dedicated and selfless people, serving their communities at all times.
It is clear from the findings of the review that the work/life balance for retained firefighters needs to be addressed to make the retained fire service an attractive employment option. It is important that as we move to improve recruitment and retention, we also endeavour to prioritise inclusion and diversity within Fire Services.
The review provides recommendations which aim to enhance the service delivery by maintaining the strengths of the retained fire services, while addressing the issues that act as a barrier to recruitment and retention. An implementation plan will be developed and overseen by the NDFEM Strategic Implementation Group (SIG) to address the core issues identified and implement the change necessary to ensure the continued delivery of an effective and efficient Retained Fire Service.
Work on the development of approaches to enable implementation of the recommendations of this review will progress immediately with continued engagement with all stakeholders via the established forums.
