AQW 52146/11-16 Written question to the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the changes that will be implemented as a result of the proposed downgrading of a number of Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service stations; and (ii) the criteria for downgrading selected stations.
Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 9 December 2015
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 9 December 2015
- Answer due by
- 29 December 2015
- Answered
- 21 March 2016103 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- No
Answer
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) identified in its most recent risk assessment that its existing wholetime firefighter resource should be rebalanced appropriately and proportionately across Northern Ireland to address the level of risk. To facilitate this NIFRS propose changes to crewing models at 11 fire stations. A public consultation on the proposals was launched on 14 December 2015 and closed on 7 March 2016. NIFRS is currently considering consultation responses.
The continued safety of both the Public and firefighters remains a priority.