Fire Service Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 September 2013

Thursday, 26 September 2013

Ceisteanna (173)

Kevin Humphreys

Ceist:

173. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department, local authorities or agencies under his control has privatised or outsourced any part or all, of the selection process for potential recruits to the fire services, including psychological or behavioural testing; the parts or processes and the companies or persons that have received contracts and the value of same; the reason for doing this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40214/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The provision of fire services in a local authority area is a statutory function of the local authority.  Under Section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981, a fire authority is required to make provision for the delivery of fire services in its functional area, including the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises. Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each City and County Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible.