Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fire Fighting Services.
- Fire service efficiency standards 2 speeches
The Minister says local authorities are responsible for maintaining efficient fire services; a comprehensive review of each area’s service is under way.
Seán Moore, Sylvester Barrett
- Firefighting water supply in Millstreet 3 speeches
Meaney asks about water pressure, complaints and supply for firefighting in Cork, including Millstreet. The Minister has no information on the local arrangements and says water supply is being examined as part of the general fire service review.
Thomas J. V. Meaney, Sylvester Barrett
asked the Minister for the Environment the steps that are being taken to ensure that fire fighting services operated by local authorities are being maintained at acceptable levels of efficiency.
Comment on this
It is a matter for each local authority to determine the provision to be made to enable them to discharge their fire-fighting responsibilities and it is for the manager to ensure that a satisfactory level of efficiency is maintained. In accordance with the recommendation of the Working Party on the Fire Service a comprehensive examination of the strength and adequacy of the service is currently being carried out in each area. These services are being conducted by the local authorities on lines proposed by the Department and will cover all aspects of the fire service. They provide an opportunity for the local authorities to identify any weaknesses there may be and to decide on action required. The results of the local examinations will also be studied in my Department with a view to dealing with any matters which call for departmental consideration.
The question of central training for fire service personnel to supplement local training is being specially exam-local by a sub-committee of the Local Government Manpower Committee. An interim recommendation relating to training in the use of breathing apparatus has already been implemented. The need for any additional central training provision will be considered when the sub-committee's final report is received.
22.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for the Environment if officials of Cork County Council hold regular meetings with the fire brigade officer to ensure that sufficient water pressure is available at local points to fight outbreaks of fire; if the council have received any complaints; and if they have all been attended to.
23.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for the Environment if his Department are aware that due to a recent fire there is local disquiet in Millstreet, County Cork, concerning the adequacy of water pressure and supply to fight fires in the town; and if he will have the matter investigated.
Comment on this
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 23 together.
It is a matter for each local authority to decide on the administrative arrangements to be adopted to give effect to its fire fighting responsibilities as it is to deal with any complaints about water pressures. I have no information on these points as regards the position in the area referred to.
I might say that local authorities have been asked to look into the position about water supply for fire fighting purposes as part of a general review of the state of the fire service which is at present under way in all areas.
Information is not available in my Department as to the circumstances of the fire referred to. The county council is being asked for a report, and I will advise the Deputy of the outcome.