Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 June 2012
186 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for the future development of the fire services, currently operated by the local authorities on a part time or voluntary basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31448/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under Section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981 to provide a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs, the provision of a premises and the making of such other provisions as it considers necessary or desirable.
Outside of the main cities which have full-time firefighters employed, fire services are provided by a retained staffing system. Retained firefighters are employees of fire authorities, and are organised to provide a full professional fire service for their communities. They are equipped, supervised and operate to the same procedures as their full time colleagues. At the end of December 2011, there were 2,077 retained firefighters employed by local authorities. The retained services provide an excellent model of service delivery where, to a substantial degree, a contingent rather than a continuous capability is required. I have no plans to change fundamentally what I regard as an excellent community service delivered by the local authorities.
There are very few voluntary fire service units countrywide. Historically, Councils assisted these units through the provision of some equipment, training and funding. However, Council responsibilities and liabilities under the health and safety at work legislation have seen some Councils withdraw from such support in recent years. My Department's National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management has recently consulted with stakeholders in relation to its draft policy document Keeping Communities Safe, which sets the future directions for the Irish Fire Service. The submissions received are currently being analysed. The draft policy document sets out an integrated approach to efficient fire safety in Ireland through achieving an appropriate balance between prevention of fires, having appropriate fire protection facilities in place in buildings and through appropriate and effective fire brigade response. It proposes guidance and standards for fire service delivery, underpinned by a risk categorisation approach, and examines service delivery structures. When finalised, the policy document will be circulated to all fire authorities for appropriate implementation. The Keeping Communities Safe draft document is available on my Department's website atwww.environ.ie.
