Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 456: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5299/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Local authorities are permitted, under statute, to charge fees in relation to the services they provide. In the case of the Dublin City Council Fire Brigade Service, it is understood that the call out charge in place reflects only a proportion of the overall cost of attendance at incidents. The other costs of the Service, including fire prevention, inspections and emergency management are being met through a range of income sources, including commercial rates, Government grants and subsidies, the household charge and the charge on non-principal private residences.

In many cases the householder/premises owner may recoup charges for attendance of the fire brigade at incidents such as house fires, road traffic accidents, and hay barn fires from relevant insurance policies including motor, home and farm policies.

Most fire authorities operate waiver schemes in respect of call out charges. If there are cases of genuine hardship and inability to pay applicable charges, each case will be considered on its merits and a partial waiver or easy payment option may be considered.