Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 489: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will exempt fire services recruitment from the moratorium issued by his Department to local authorities in view of the importance of this emergency service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17723/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Under the terms of the Government's decision on implementation of savings in public service numbers no public service post, however arising, may be filled by recruitment, promotion, or payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade. This decision is effective from 31 March 2009 and stands until the end of 2010. My Department has, accordingly, written to all local authorities requesting their compliance. However, in recognition of the priority attaching to the maintenance of key frontline services, my Department is consulting with the Department of Finance in regard to the management of relevant staffing needs. The needs of local authority fire services are being considered in this context.