272. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of retained firefighters in each station in the Donegal fire area, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38822/24]

Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible. Details of staffing numbers are available from each local authority and are not available from my Department at the granular level requested.

In September 2023, a WRC proposal was agreed between the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), on behalf of the local government sector, and SIPTU setting out improved remuneration measures and a more flexible model of service provision for retained firefighters. Local authorities are increasing the crew complement to 12 in all retained fire stations, supporting the implementation of the revised model of fire service provision, thereby reducing the commitment to be available by 50% while maintaining the required standards of fire service coverage.

We understand that a firefighting skills course for new retained recruits will commence at Letterkenny fire station on 7th October. It is expected that the recruits, on completion of their recruit training, will be appointed to positions at Donegal fire stations. All local authorities are in the process of recruiting new personnel to fully meet the WRC crew complements.