Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 370: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking in respect of his Department's direction to local authorities to implement a 3% reduction in pay costs, to ensure that this measure does not result in diminution in emergency public services such as the fire service; if he will issue a directive to local authorities to maintain their fire services at least at their present level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43796/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I refer to the reply to question No. 366 of Tuesday 7 October 2008. My Department directed all local authorities, in line with Government policy on Public Sector pay costs, to implement a 3% reduction in payroll costs for 2009. Local Authorities have a range of measures at their disposal for deployment at local level to meet this requirement, and will take account of their responsibilities and obligations in regard to the maintenance and delivery of front line services.