Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 January 2024
201. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the outcome of discussions between Meath Fire Service and Dublin Fire Brigade to address how fire cover and the provision of emergency services can be improved for boarder communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2124/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Act, 1981. My Department supports fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding support for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.
The prioritisation of work and effective management of all resources is, in the first instance, a matter for the management in each of the fire services, based on their assessment of local needs and requirements. Under section 159 of the Local Government Act, 2001 it is the responsibility of each Chief Executive to employ such staff and to make such staffing, funding, recruitment and organisational arrangements as may be deemed necessary for the purposes of carrying out the functions of their local authority.
The provision of fire services by local authorities is based on a statutory risk management approach which involves an analysis of the nature of the fire hazards and the incidence and extent of fires which occur, as well as the fire protection measures in place. Fire Service resources are deployed based on Pre-Determined Attendance (PDA). Those are the instructions of a Chief Fire Officer to the relevant Regional Communications Centre (RCC) for an initial fire service response to an emergency call for assistance.
Fire authorities cooperate with each other as and when required, and on a regular basis, on a number of matters. For example, they are enabled by the Fire Services Act, 1981 and 2003 to assist each other and provide support on a ‘mutual-assistance’ basis, and this is the expected norm for Fire Services.
Any decisions in relation to operational matters within fire services, including any agreements on changes or improvement of working arrangements with other agencies or authorities are determined by the Fire Service management of the relevant fire authorities.
