asked the Minister for the Environment if there is any special protection for fire brigade engine drivers while driving to the scene of a fire or accident in the course of their duty.

It is not clear what exactly the Deputy has in mind. If he has speed limits in mind, drivers of fire brigade vehicles are exempted from the usual speed limit requirements while on official duty. In the case of injury to the driver there are various superannuation and analogous arrangements, depending on the circumstances of the case. With regard to civil liability to third parties, this would normally be a matter for the employing fire authority.