asked the Minister for the Environment if he is satisfied with fire-fighting equipment available on Inishmore, Aran Islands, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Responsibility for the adequacy of the fire-fighting equipment available on Inishmore, Aran Islands, is a matter for the fire authority, Galway County Council. I am aware that local interests have raised with the council the question of the fire-fighting facilities on the island and that the council are examining the matter.

What is the Minister's role in this area? Surely he provides the funds to purchase the equipment? The Minister must agree that the fire-fighting equipment on the island is pathetic and in recent times there have been three major fires on the island where the properties were completely gutted because there was no fire-fighting equipment which would have contained the fires. The houses and everything in them were destroyed, but happily no life was lost. The Minister must be concerned about this.

I am very concerned. The fire chief has indicated that he is investigating the matter. He was to visit the island last week and, if he comes up with proposals for funding, I will look at this case very sympathetically.

Will the Department insist that the local authority provide adequate fire-fighting equipment on this island, where there is a substantial population?

We have responsible fire chiefs throughout the country. They decide whether equipment is required, not officials in my Department, and that is the way it should be. They are the professionals. As soon as they give us a report of what they want, I will look at each case sympathetically.