Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 1804: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposals he has in regard to the setting up of the national fire authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43857/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In February 2005, I announced a Fire Services Change Programme in response to key fire services and fire safety recommendations of the Review of Fire Safety and Fire Services in Ireland. This Programme sets out the strategy for the future development of the fire service and includes measures addressing the development of community fire safety programmes, the development of a risk based approach to the determination of fire cover standards, the introduction of a competency-based approach to recruitment, retention and career progression in the fire service and the enhancement of health, safety and welfare programmes within the fire service.

Work on the Change Programme is being carried out by a dedicated Project Team and is progressing satisfactorily. My priority under the Fire Services Change Programme is not to pursue further institutional change at this time but to use the available resources to bring about direct improvements in these key areas.