Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

Such suggestions are not accurate. All of the recommendations made in the Stardust report received full and careful consideration and were either implemented or taken into account as fire safety policy was formulated and local authority fire services were developed in the intervening period. Very significant improvements have been made in all areas of the fire service. Investment has been made in infrastructure, equipment, more staff, better training, improved communications and in legislation. Most of the recommendations made in the Farrell Grant Sparks review have been implemented.

Last night, the Minister, Deputy Gormley, and the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, outlined the significant progress being made in each of the four areas being advanced under the fire services change programme, which has been put in place by the Government to implement the key fire safety and fire services recommendations of Farrell Grant Sparks. The progress report that was prepared after phase 1 of the programme was published by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government last June and can be downloaded from the Department's website.

The change programme needs to be considered in conjunction with the strengthened fire safety legislation of 2003. The major emergency development programme, which was approved by the Government on foot of the review of the framework for major emergency management, was commissioned in late 2004. The success of the capital investment programme has seen fire services infrastructure, including fire stations, fire appliance fleet, fire station equipment, communications and mobilisation facilities, brought on a par with the best international standards. The management structure in local authority fire services has also been strengthened. It is clear that many of the essential elements for the provision of an effective and modern fire emergency service are in place. The Government believes that such important services, which are aimed at securing the safety of the public, can benefit from an continuing focus on appropriate modernisation initiatives. The Government is committed to the process of change. The Minister, Deputy Gormley, said last night that he will consider all options before he reaches any conclusions on the next phase of the change programme. The Government will continue to bring about real and substantive change so the fire service continues to be in line with international standards.

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