asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that there is no panel of substitutes and no men being trained to replace firemen in the Dublin Fire Brigade and that if there was a major disaster in which firemen were lost there would be no men to take their place in an emergency; and if he will make a statement on when such a panel could be formed and people trained to ensure that at all times there would be a full contingent of men available to deal with any situation that might occur.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Dublin Fire Brigade.
544.
The employment of fire-fighters by Dublin Corporation is a matter for the corporation. I am informed that, the Corporation, in fact, maintain a pool of additional fire-fighting staff in their fire headquarters at Tara Street, to meet any short-term needs arising throughout their fire service. Furthermore, in the event of a major emergency off duty fire-fighters can be called for duty if necessary. In addition Dublin Corporation have arrangements with neighbouring fire authorities for the provision of additional assistance on request. The corporation have indicated that they will be inviting applications for fire-fighters in the near future.
They have also indicated that with regard to training work is well in hands on the provision of a new fire training centre at the O'Brien Institute, Marino, the first phase of which has been completed. I might add, with regard to training generally, that the recently established Fire Services Council have the function of reviewing and reporting to me on the overall training needs of fire service personnel and the most appropriate arrangements to be made to meet those needs. The council have also organised a programme of central training courses to complement the local training programmes of fire authorities.