Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 5 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 2

Written Answers. - Fire Safety Measures.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

11 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of recommendations in regard to fire safety measures made by the tribunal of inquiry into the Stardust fire, which have yet to be implemented; if it is intended to implement these; the number of local authorities which have yet to draw up fire and emergency plans and approve such plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10152/01]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

The 1982 report of the Stardust tribunal made a wide range of recommendations in relation to the fire service and other related matters. All of these recommendations have received full and careful consideration and have either been implemented or taken into account in the ongoing formulation of policy on fire safety and the development of the local authority fire services in the intervening period. Improvements have been carried out on a comprehensive basis, covering such areas as the financing and equipping of the local fire service, its organisation and staffing, training, the legislative framework, and emergency planning.

I am satisfied these improvements have significantly strengthened the capacity of the service to respond to fires and other emergencies, and in fire prevention activities.

Notwithstanding these very positive developments in the fire service over the past 20 years, I have recently commissioned a wide ranging strategic review of the service by independent consultants. The objective of the review will be to examine and report on the arrangements to ensure that people, property and the environment are protected from fire and other emergency situations by the provision of quality fire safety and emergency services. The consultant's report will help to develop policy for the future direction of the service and ensure that we can go forward, building on the very real strengths of today.

Fire and emergency operations plans, which are required under section 26 of the Fire Services Act, 1981, deal with the organisation, equipment, training and other operational matters required for fire and other emergency situations. While 27 authorities have prepared and adopted plans, a further five fire authorities have prepared, but not yet adopted, plans. The remaining fire authority has yet to prepare a plan. My Department recently reminded these authorities of their statutory obligations in this matter.

Fire and emergency operations plans should not be confused with the major emergency plans which all authorities have prepared, and keep updated. These set out the arrangements for mobilising and co-ordinating the emergency response to any event which causes or threatens death or injury, serious disruption of essential services or damage to property on a scale beyond the normal capabilities of the gardaí, local authorities and health services. Local authorities test and update these plans, as appropriate.