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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fire Safety Recommendations.

Central fire-service information and control

Summary

De Rossa links the delayed central control room and information systems to warnings about hazardous-chemical transport. The Minister says the new control-room arrangements are under way, while defending fire chiefs’ right to express their views.

Is the Minister aware that in answer to Question No. 18 he is talking about the computerised centre and all these things are going to be in the future, four years after the Stardust disaster? Everything will happen next year or the year after. Is he aware that Cahal Garvey, chairman of the Fire Officers' Association, has predicted a major disaster in relation to the transport of chemicals and so forth through the city of Dublin and the country? Is he satisfied with his failure to centralise the information available to ensure that there are strong regulations and legal requirements to control the transport of goods and the operation of places of public access? Is he satisfied that what Cahal Garvey is saying is untrue or is there any grain of truth in it? What is the position? Do we face a major disaster or do we not?

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Fergus O'Brien Mr. F. O'Brien Fine Gael

That is the opinion of the fireman.

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That is a very decent man whom you have just dismissed.

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Fergus O'Brien Mr. F. O'Brien Fine Gael

I am talking about the fire chief. Fire chiefs have a right to comment on what they believe in.

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The Minister is looking into a looking glass.

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Fergus O'Brien Mr. F. O'Brien Fine Gael

We also have to look into the situation and we are doing so. As I indicated, there are provisions for a new central control room. The arrangements are on their way.

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Thomas J. Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

I am moving on to the next question.

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From outer space. The Minister should have come here to answer these questions on the fire services. It is he who has the responsibility there.

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Fergus O'Brien Mr. F. O'Brien Fine Gael

I have answered them.

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