729 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if local authorities can apply fire charges per minute where cars are set on fire in a public place under regulations established by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1285/02]

In relation to charges for fire brigade services, section 35(3) of the Fire Services Act, 1981, provides that a fire authority shall be entitled to charge users or beneficiaries of a fire service for services which it provides. It is therefore a matter for individual local fire authorities to decide whether or not to charge for any of its fire services.