Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 292: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the Fire Services Act 1981 with regard to the provision of adequate fire services; the obligations or sanctions available to him when local authorities fail to provide an adequate fire service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31682/07]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs, the provision of a premises and the making of such other provisions as it considers necessary or desirable, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981. The Department's role is one of supporting and assisting local authorities in delivering fire services through the setting of general policy and the provision of capital funding. Issues relating to the operation of the fire service are matters for the relevant fire authority.