Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a decision has been made not to proceed with plans for the establishment of a national fire authority, a recommendation originally made in the report of the Stardust inquiry; if his attention has been drawn to the concern expressed by the Chief Fire Officers Association at the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11085/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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On 17 February 2005 I announced a fire services change programme in which I set out a strategy for the future development of the fire service. This strategy includes measures addressing the development of community fire safety programmes, the development of a risk based approach to the determination of fire cover standards, the introduction of a competency-based approach to recruitment, retention and career progression in the fire service and the enhancement of health, safety and welfare programmes within the fire service.

My priority under the change programme is not to pursue further institutional change at this time but to use the available resources to bring about direct improvements in these key areas identified in the report Review of Fire Safety and Fire Services in Ireland. All of the key stakeholder groups in the fire service are participating positively in the change programme and I am confident that this approach can take us forward and achieve real progress in modernising the fire service.