James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 887: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to increase the training requirements in fire and emergency services to improve quality of service and contingencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18963/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Fire services are provided by the 37 statutorily designated fire authorities. The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs, the provision of a premises and the making of such other provisions as it considers necessary or desirable, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under Section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981.

The national blueprint for the future development of the fire services, including improvements in efficiency and effectiveness, is set out in the Irish Fire Services National Development Framework 2010 – 2015. The Framework sets out policies and key actions in the areas of Fire Services Role in Society; National Processes and Guidance on Standards; Staff Learning and Development; Quality Assurance Systems and Reporting Performance; and Service Infrastructure and legislative support. The Framework was developed and approved under the aegis of the Management Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, which is also managing the implementation of its actions.

In 2011 the Management Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management decided two priority projects should be progressed and these are now the subject of consultation with a range of stakeholders. The first draft document concerns an integrated approach to efficient fire safety in Ireland titled: "Keeping Communities Safe". 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. The second draft document is a review of the Computer Aided Mobilisation Project (CAMP). CAMP provides a computer aided call taking and mobilisation service for members of the public seeking the assistance of the emergency services. Following this stakeholder consultation, it is intended that the finalised policy documents will be completed by the end of summer 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.

As regards the CAMP project, following consideration of comments received, a revised document in the form of a final report will be prepared for the National Directorate's Management Board.

Both the CAMP and "Keeping Communities Safe" draft documents are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie via the "Public Consultations" link which can be found on the home page under the heading "Popular Topics and Quicklinks".

Fire Services will continue to be developed by the local authorities having regard to both of the service priorities referred to above, including the need to maximise effectiveness and efficiency, and taking account of the resources available.