Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the recommendations of the 2002 Government commissioned report on the fire service, including the recommendation for a national fire authority, will be adopted; the reason for the delay in adopting these recommendations to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16352/05]

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.