Déirdre de Búrca (Green Party)

I echo the call of the Fine Gael Senator for a debate in this House on the future of fire services in this country. The appalling tragedy that occurred in my constituency in Bray that resulted in the deaths of two fireman obviously has focused national attention on fire services. I know the Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Tony Killeen, is responsible for fire services. My colleagues and I are meeting with him next week. It would be very helpful for this House if he came here to hear the concerns of Members about fire services throughout the country and, in particular, to address the investigations being carried out into fire services in Bray and the organisation of fire services in County Wicklow.

Three investigations are being carried out by Wicklow County Council, the Health and Safety Authority and the Garda Síochána, respectively. There are concerns that because Wicklow County Council is the fire authority and is responsible for the organisation and delivery of fire services the terms of reference established for that investigation should be very carefully monitored. I know a number of local councillors have expressed concern that those terms of reference would be transparent and that they would have an opportunity to have an input into it. I would like the Leader to invite the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, to the House so that we can debate fire services in Bray and nationally.