asked the Minister for Local Government if he will indicate the nature of, length of and number of officers involved in the courses held in the past year for station officers and sub-officers in the fire service; and if it is intended to hold courses for members in other grades in the fire service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fire Service Courses.
42.
During the past year, my Department held three central training courses for station officers and sub-officers of retained fire brigades. Two of the courses, each of two weeks duration, covered basic training and involved 47 officers. The third course, of one week's duration, was a qualifying course for instructors and catered for 29 participants.
I foresee central training courses as an on-going series with a continuous raising of standards as participants are seen fit to profit from more advanced training. It is possible that training will be extended to other grades in the future as the development of training courses continues.
As regards training at local level, I have recently asked fire brigade authorities to ensure that the services of the instructors already qualified are used to the fullest possible extent in the training of station personnel.
What proportion of the officers in the grades mentioned have to date undergone courses of this nature?
I was not asked for the proportion.
Would the Minister give a rough idea?
I have given the Deputy the number.
What is the total number?