Dáil Éireann - Volume 78 - 28 February, 1940

In Committee on Finance. - Fire Brigades Bill, 1939—Report and Final Stages.

Question—“That the Bill be received for final consideration”—put and agreed to.

Question proposed:“That the Bill do now pass.”

Mr. Brennan Mr. Brennan

2101

Mr. Brennan: I have very little to say except that I hope that the Bill will be a success. My fears about the Bill are founded on the fact that I am afraid there is no real co-ordinating influence to run a machine of this kind. It is very hard to feel that local authorities will be able to provide on the system laid down here the necessary fire-fighting appliances, but, particularly, the necessary personnel to man the appliances. I had thought [2101] that some attempt might be made to compel local authorities, if you like, to make a contribution towards some kind of central fire-fighting authority through the Civic Guards. They are the only people I know who can conduct a matter of this kind, the only people who will be always waiting and ready. I have very little faith in this Bill operating successfully, but I hope it does. So far as the Bill is a necessity, everybody in the House welcomes it, because some measure of this kind is necessary. I am not opposing it, but I am afraid that after all our trouble we have not provided an efficient machine for dealing with outbreaks of fire.

Question put and agreed to.

Dáil Éireann 78 In Committee on Finance. Fire Brigades Bill, 1939—Report and Final Stages.

General Debate

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