John Browne
Ceist:178 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Defence if his Department is paying the costs of the Army's involvement in the industrial dispute between the county council and the fire service in Wexford. [10536/95]
Written Answers. - Wexford Fire Service Dispute.
John Browne
Ceist:182 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Defence the cost of fitting out the Army barracks in Wexford; the number of beds purchased; the number of showers installed; and the number of television sets purchased. [10533/95]
John Browne
Ceist:183 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Defence the expected total cost of the Army's involvement in the dispute in the Wexford Fire Service; and the person who will be paying the bill. [10534/95]
John Browne
Ceist:184 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Defence the set-up cost of preparing the Army to replace fire service personnel during the industrial dispute between Wexford County Council and the fire service in Wexford; and the ongoing weekly cost to the Army. [10535/95]
John Browne
Ceist:185 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Defence the number of Army and Garda personnel involved in the industrial dispute between the County Council and the fire service in Wexford. [10537/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 178, 182, 183, 184 and 185 together.
Since 27 May 1995, Defence Forces personnel have provided an emergency fire service in Wexford. The provision of the service, which involves a total of 126 Defence Forces personnel, followed a request for assistance from Wexford County Council through the Department of the Environment.
The cost incurred by the Department of Defence in preparation for the provision of the emergency fire service operation was approximately £21,000. This previously planned expenditure, involved some work in Wexford Barracks, i.e. the widening of the entrance and the fitting of showers (£15,000) and the purchase of communications equipment (£6,000), was advanced because of the industrial dispute. Accordingly, it is not planned to seek recoupment of these costs from any source. The beds supplied to Wexford Barracks were taken from Army stores and will be returned when the dispute is over. No television sets were purchased by the Department.
The provision of the emergency fire service by the Defence Forces is being undertaken on the basis that any additional costs incurred by the Department of Defence will be recouped from Wexford County Council.
All members of the Defence Forces involved in the provision of the emergency fire service are being paid a Maintenance of Essential Services Allowance. The estimated weekly cost of the allowance is £15,000 approximately. In addition to the cost of the allowance, some other costs will arise in relation to the use of vehicles, fuels etc. Accommodation costs for those members of the Defence Forces who are not being accommodated in a military barracks are being paid directly by Wexford County Council.
The total cost of the Defence Forces involvement in the provision of the emergency fire service will depend on the duration of the dispute.
The question of any involvement of members of the Garda Síochána in the provision of the emergency fire service in Wexford is a matter for the Minister for Justice.