Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 363: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans regarding the implementation of a review (details supplied) for the emergency services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16368/04]

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 364: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is the Government's intention to establish a national fire authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16369/04]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 363 and 364 together.

I recently announced my intention to introduce a modernisation and change agenda for the local government fire, rescue, building control and emergency services. The objective, which takes account of the conclusions and recommendations of the report of the review of fire safety and fire services, is to deliver a safer society through reducing death and injury, damage to property, and other social and economic costs arising from fire and other emergencies. My intention is to bring to Government firm proposals to seek the establishment of a national fire services authority to develop and manage a new modernised fire and rescue service. The authority will be the overarching body for fire service in Ireland. To deliver this national authority, the Government must see clear and verifiable commitment and progress by all stakeholders in delivering change.

I met several key stakeholders on 10 May 2004 to elaborate on my proposals for the future direction of the fire service and to indicate that action is needed from all parties to deliver this modernisation and change programme. An initial position paper for delivery of this agenda has issued for stakeholder views and I have arranged a further meeting to continue this engagement with stakeholders for 17 June 2004.