Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that very much.

The fleet of fire engines available to fire services requires ongoing investment to ensure that reliable and appropriate fire engines are available to respond to emergencies. In order to ensure that fleet age profile is maintained, a further investment of €9.2 million, under the 2017 fire appliance procurement programme, was announced last year. It will see the construction and delivery of 23 new appliances between 2018 and 2020, with an expected contribution of €400,000 per unit from my Department's capital programme. Some fire authorities may choose to select aerial appliances - turntable ladders or hydraulic platforms - in lieu of allocated class B standard fire engines.

I look forward to receiving the overview of fire safety in Ireland which the task force is preparing. I expect it will propose a programme of fire safety initiatives to address what the task force identifies as the priority areas of concern with regard to life safety. The evacuation process worked successfully to ensure public safety in last night's incident. However, in conjunction with Dublin City Council and Dublin Fire Brigade, I will consider if there are specific issues arising from this incident which require follow up action. I again express our deep appreciation to all our emergency services personnel and everyone else involved in ensuring a timely and effective response to last night's incident. They do this work on a daily basis on behalf of all of us but sometimes it takes a serious and alarming incident, such as occurred last night, for us to realise the importance of the work they do and the bravery they have in doing that work.

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