Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 478: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if emergency funding will be provided to fund a maintain a fully trained and fully equipped fire service in Castlegregory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35972/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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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 the provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981.

Kerry County Council's fire services are provided through a retained staffing system. Retained fire-fighters are employees of fire authorities, and are organised to provide a full professional fire service throughout the county, including Castlegregory and its hinterland. The retained fires services are appropriately trained, equipped, supervised and operate to proper procedures.