asked the Minister for Local Government if he proposes to provide a fully equipped training school for the fire service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fire Service Training School.
163.
The future training needs of the fire service will be considered in the light of the recommendations of the working party which is at present reviewing that and other aspects of the service. I may mention that, while the training of personnel is a matter for the individual fire brigade authorities, the Department have assisted with central training courses for part-time officers and a special course in fire prevention.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that a suitably equipped school should be available?
I have said that the Minister believes that the provision by his Department of assistance for central training courses for part-time officers and a special course in fire prevention ought to be adequate and I conclude from that that the Minister would not accept the Deputy's suggestions that a central permanent school is necessary.
Is it not strange that the Civil Defence organisation should have a training school and the fire service should not?
The Civil Defence organisation is not under the control of the Minister for Local Government.
Is not the Parliamentary Secretary also Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence? Does the Parliamentary Secretary not concede that in view of the number of major fire disasters in other countries in recent times we are not doing enough to combat the threat of fire?
I can only repeat that the Minister believes that the arrangements for fire prevention and combating of fires are adequate.