asked the Minister for the Environment how many fire officers participated in the strike action undertaken by them arising out of the dispute between them and his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the effect of this action on public safety.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fire Officers' Strike Action.
11.
(Dublin South-East): The recent dispute in the fire services was not between fire officers and my Department. The strike action taken by fire officers occurred as a result of a dispute, involving chief fire officers and second fire officers, between the Local Government Staff Negotiations Board representing the management side and the Local Government and Public Services Union representing fire officers. Strike notice was served by the union on behalf of all its fire officer members but information on the exact number of fire officers who participated in the strike action is not available in my Department. At this stage I am pleased to note that strike action has ceased. Discussions are continuing between the interests involved on the formulation of a comprehensive agreement on the matter.
It is, of course, the responsibility of individual fire authorities to provide and maintain an adequate and efficient fire service in their areas. I kept in close touch with the situation and on the basis of my information there was no serious disruption of the fire brigade services provided by these authorities to give rise to any immediate danger to public safety.