Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 254: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans, in view of the continued concern surrounding the inadequate fire service in Bray, County Wicklow, to provide a full-time fire service; when he will set up a national fire service authority; his views on calls from the five local Deputies for an independent inquiry in respect of the deaths of two firefighters in September 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15752/08]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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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. Under the Fire Services Change Programme a Risk Based Approach to Fire Safety Management is being developed. When this system is available it will assist fire authorities in carrying out a risk analysis in their functional areas which will, inter alia, inform the allocation of resources.

Options for the future development of fire and emergency management services are being reviewed in the Department, including the option of a national fire authority, and the need to continue to bring about real and substantive change so that the fire service in Ireland is in line with international standards. In reaching conclusions on the review, regard must be had to the needs of the fire service and the wider public interest in relation to fire safety matters, and account will be taken of the view of stakeholders. I have asked the key stakeholders to submit their views in writing. Written submissions have been received from the Chief Fire Officers' Association, the County and City Managers' Associations, the Fire Services Council and the Association of County and City Councils.

Three investigations into the Bray fire tragedy are ongoing by An Garda Síochána, the Health and Safety Authority, and Wicklow County Council. I have asked Wicklow County Council to make the findings of its investigation available to the Department. I will consider any necessary change arising from the outcome of these investigations in the work of supporting and developing fire services in my role as Minister. I believe, therefore, that it would be important to await the outcome of the investigations.