Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 429: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when it is anticipated that the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management will be in a position to issue the Keeping Communities Safe, which some local authorities require to complete reviews into emergency service including fire service provision. [16771/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management in my Department has developed a draft national policy for an integrated approach to efficient fire safety in Ireland. This is titled "Keeping Communities Safe" and it is the subject of consultation with a range of stakeholders. The primary objective of the draft policy is maintaining and improving public safety, through achieving an appropriate balance between prevention of fires, having appropriate fire protection facilities in place in buildings and through fire brigade response measures.

Following this stakeholder consultation, it It is intended that the finalised policy document will be completed by the end of June 2012, and "Keeping Communities Safe" will then be circulated to all fire authorities for implementation. I expect that each fire authority will review its approach to fire safety in light of the guidance and recommendations in the document, and plan for any adjustments in current arrangements.