Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Defence if permission has been sought from Roscommon County Council to provide emergency fire cover in the county as a result of the dismissal of 27 firemen; if so, if he will outline the cost of that provision; the number of personnel that may be provided; the period of time that the provision of cover is envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39074/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Last month, in the context of an ongoing dispute and in accordance with procedures in place, a request was received by my Department from the Department of Environment, Community & Local Government for the Defence Forces to provide assistance to Roscommon County Council in the maintenance of essential fire services.

In total, 44 members of the Defence Forces were involved, including 31 fire fighters who were re-trained to ensure their Breathing Apparatus and Road Traffic Accident skills were current. Whilst Defence Forces personnel were available for deployment they were not called upon as the Roscommon Co. Council Fire Service was able to deal with all call outs from within its own available resources. The Defence Forces operation was stood down following settlement of the dispute on 2 December last.

Whilst the final cost of the Defence Forces involvement has yet to be established, it is estimated that it will be in the order of €25,000. It is the intention of my Department to recoup all costs from Roscommon County Council when the total figure is finally established.