Government policy on fire service fails to tackle weaknesses, say officers

Sean McCarthaigh, Cavan

The Chief Fire Officers' Association yesterday strongly criticised the decision by Environment Minister, Dick Roche, to rule out the establishment of a National Fire and Civil Protection Authority.

The creation of such a body which would have responsibility for ensuring the co-ordinated development of fire, civil protection and emergency services across the country was the main recommendation contained in a 2002 report on how to reform the fire service.

Tony Gleeson, chairman of the CFOA, said the Department of Environment was not keen to implement the findings of the independent report.

Addressing the association's annual conference in Cavan, Mr Gleeson expressed disappointment that Mr Roche had reversed the decision of his predecessor, Martin Cullen, to set up a new national authority.

"There are 37 separate fire authorities, each of which essentially determines its own policy and this has led to huge variability in standards," he warned.

He told delegates the CFOA had given a cautious welcome to the Fire Services Change Programme announced by Mr Roche in February in order "to get something moving in what is a very stale environment."

Mr Gleeson said fire officers believed Mr Roche's policy for the development of the fire service had major limitations including the lack of defined targets as well as the absence of any provision for funding and legislation.

"We must express our concern that this change programme does not address the most fundamental weaknesses in the fire safety regime," he said.

Mr Gleeson pointed out that the independent report had stated the most fundamental problems with the fire service were a lack of accountability and central direction, and inadequate funding.

Mr Gleeson said there was poor morale among the 3,800 full-time and part-time members of fire brigades around the country. The CFOA also complained that it has no representation on the National Safety Council.

Junior Environment Minister, Batt O'Keeffe defended the Fire Services Change Programme saying it focused on four key areas of fire safety highlighted in the independent report.

Mr O'Keeffe told the conference that it would move the fire service away from its traditional response role to one of greater prevention.