asked the Minister for Local Government the action he proposes to take to bring fire protection to the same level throughout the country.
15.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fire Protection.
14.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he has received any recent report on the fire services; and, if so, if he proposes to have it published.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.
The standard of fire protection in an area depends on a number of factors— the strength and efficiency of the fire brigade; the operation of planning and bye-law controls; the local fire prevention programme including inspections under the Fire Brigades Act, 1940. The requirements in large built-up areas, or in areas in which there are special fire risks of one kind or another, will be different from those in other areas and it would not be appropriate to think in terms of the same kind of protection in all areas.
Standardisation where appropriate and improvement is promoted by my Department through the technical advice provided; the financing of capital investment in the service and the provision of central training courses. Fire protection standards have been recommended by my Department. The development of these standards is being undertaken as part of the new system of building regulations being prepared by my Department.
The question of additional measures that may be appropriate to bring about improvements or greater standardisation in the service will be considered in the light of the report of the working party on the Fire Service which I have received, and which will be published in the near future.