Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2013
606. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which cost-cutting requirements are affecting the quality and capacity of fire services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5962/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department supports fire authorities through the setting of general policy and guidance, and the provision of capital funding, including the recoupment, within the overall funding available, of costs incurred by fire authorities in relation to the approved purchase of fire appliances and specialist emergency and communications equipment as well as construction and upgrading of fire stations.
In keeping with other reductions, it has been necessary to reduce the fire service capital allocation in recent years. However, Ireland has an excellent, well maintained infrastructure of fire stations and appliances, and other equipment, and a service delivered by highly trained fire fighters and officers. The number of front-line fire fighters has been protected from the general staffing embargo in public services under the delegated sanction available to my Department.
