Mr. Dennis Keeley:

As the Senator knows, we are operating in a city and county that is expanding and growing. We have plans in place for expansion and we have plans in place for the development of the fire service. It will not and cannot be static. We see the business case for fire prevention on the engineering section. I also see the provision of a number of new stations in coming years. We are looking at the provision and expansion of our aerial appliances. For example, we are in discussion with the trade unions to find a way of increasing the number of aerial appliances across the city. I want to assure the committee and the citizens of Dublin that Dublin Fire Brigade has a vision. It has a vision for expansion. It is a bigger and growing brigade, and I believe I have the support of the chief executives to make that happen.

Unfortunately, it can never happen quickly enough and I can never have enough resources - I am in want constantly - but as we make plans and put them into practice, I have the support of the chief executives and the councils. We are putting plans in place to provide the additional resources that we will require in the coming years.