Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 451: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which expenditure on the fire services is in keeping with modern requirements and international standards; if the latest technology is available throughout the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22823/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 452: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, arising from recent reports, he has in mind proposals to enhance, augment or upgrade the full-time or part-time fire services with particular reference to the need for modern equipment for use in emergencies or in the event of a terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22824/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 451 and 452 together.

The provision of a fire service, including equipment, training and the employment of both full-time and retained fire-fighting personnel, is a statutory function of the individual fire authorities and my Department has no direct role in this matter. My Department supports the local fire authorities through the setting of general policy, the provision of capital funding, the issue of guidance to fire authorities in relation to fire prevention and operational matters and other such initiatives. Over the past 25 years, almost €240 million has been provided by my Department to local fire authorities under the fire services capital programme for the provision of new and refurbished fire stations and the purchase of fire appliances and other equipment. At this stage, over two-thirds of our fire stations, including almost all of the busiest stations, have been replaced, we have a modern fleet of front-line fire appliances, and we have a modern emergency response communications system. The fire services capital allocation for 2006 is almost €20 million. The Fire Services Council assists fire authorities through the provision of training courses and seminars to supplement the training provided by the authorities themselves. Since 2001, my Department has provided over €2.3 million to the Fire Services Council for this purpose. Also, since 2001, my Department has provided almost €4.2 billion in general purpose grants to assist the local authorities in carrying out their statutory functions, including the provision of fire services.